Paper-based upconversion fluorescence aptasensor for the quantitative detection of immunoglobulin E in human serum

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a critical biomarker for allergic diseases.
• Sensitive, selective, and simple IgE detection methods are urgently needed due to its low serum abundance.
• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) offer potential for point-of-care testing (POCT) due to their portability and ease of use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive, selective, and accurate paper-based analytical device for total IgE detection in human serum.
• To utilize upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and resonance energy transfer for enhanced detection capabilities.
• To provide a viable alternative to traditional laboratory-based allergy diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• A paper-based analytical device was designed incorporating upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as labels.
• Resonance energy transfer (RET) between UCNPs and tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) was employed.
• An IgE-specific aptamer with a stem-loop structure acted as the recognition probe, modulating energy transfer upon IgE binding.

Main Results:

• The assay demonstrated a sensitive and selective detection of IgE.
• A linear calibration curve was achieved in the range of 0.5-50 IU/mL.
• A low detection limit of 0.13 IU/mL was achieved.
• Results showed good correlation with a commercial ELISA kit using 20 human serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (UC-LRET) device shows significant promise for sensitive IgE detection.
• This method offers a potential point-of-care diagnostic tool for allergic diseases.
• The study highlights the potential of PADs utilizing UCNPs for clinical diagnostics.