Localized surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor on gold nanoparticles for Taenia solium detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Parasitology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Neurocysticercosis is a debilitating central nervous system disease caused by the parasite *Taenia solium*.
• Accurate and rapid diagnostic tools are crucial for effective management and treatment of neurocysticercosis.
• Current diagnostic methods may have limitations in terms of speed, specificity, or accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel, fast-response, and specific biosensor for the detection of *Taenia solium*.
• To utilize the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) technique with functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for parasite antigen detection.
• To evaluate the biosensor's limit of detection and dose-response profile for *Taenia solium* antigen.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Turkevich and seed-mediated growth methods.
• Functionalization and activation of AuNPs with antibodies for immuno-capture of *Taenia solium* antigen.
• Detection of varying concentrations of *Taenia solium* antigen using the LSPR technique.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor demonstrated fast response times and high specificity for *Taenia solium* detection.
• The biosensor successfully detected low concentrations of *Taenia solium* antigen, with a limit of detection below 0.1 µg/mL.
• A clear dose-response profile was established, indicating the biosensor's quantitative capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The gold nanoparticle-based LSPR biosensor is a promising tool for the rapid and specific diagnosis of *Taenia solium* infections.
• This biosensor technology holds significant potential for improving clinical diagnostics of neurocysticercosis.
• Further development could lead to a valuable point-of-care diagnostic tool for neurocysticercosis.