A general scattering proximity immunoassay with the formation of dimer of gold nanoparticle

In this work, we structured a colorimetric ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on a proximity hybridization-induced gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) dimers structure. Under the dark-field microscope, this method takes advantage of the distinctive and strong distance-relative localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au NPs and their oriented assembly. DNA served as a medium showing wonderful flexibility to label antibody and Au NPs, and tune interparticle spacing as well. Two capture probes were formed by the integration of DNA labeled antibody (DNA1-Ab1 or DNA2-Ab2) and asymmetrically assembled DNA (DNA 3 or DNA 4)- Au NPs via partly hybridization between DNA sequences. In the presence of antigen, the reaction between target protein and capture probes could trigger the generation of immunocomplex which led to the proximity hybridization of the DNA1 and DNA2, and then change the distance of interparticle to form Au NP dimers and thus showed a different color under dark-field microscope. A limit of detection of 14.25 pg/mL was obtained for the detection of CEA, which indicated a promising sensing method in clinical diagnosis of protein biomarkers.