Sink/Float Magnetic Immunoassays for In-Field Bioassays
Parthena Chorti1, Dionysios C Christodouleas1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|October 14, 2021
Summary
This study introduces sink/float magnetic immunoassays, a simple, instrument-free method for detecting biomarkers in biological samples. These rapid tests offer a potential solution for field diagnostics, meeting regulatory requirements for ease of use.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker detection
- Immunodiagnostics
- Point-of-care testing
Background:
- Regulatory bodies require simple analytical protocols for non-laboratory diagnostic devices.
- Field-deployable diagnostic tests need to be user-friendly and instrument-free.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the theory and proof-of-concept for sink/float magnetic immunoassays.
- To evaluate the potential of these assays for detecting biomarkers in untreated biological samples.
Main Methods:
- Development of sink/float magnetic immunoassays utilizing superparamagnetic nanoparticles and reporter antibodies.
- Demonstration of a mix-and-observe, instrument-free assay protocol.
- Application of the assay for detecting C-Reactive Protein, anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies, and E. coli bacteria.
Main Results:
- Sink/float magnetic immunoassays provide results within 25-45 minutes.
- Assay performance is based on the sinking or floating of a magnetic nanoparticle-functionalized sphere.
- Proof-of-concept demonstrated for detecting various analytes, including proteins, antibodies, and bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Sink/float magnetic immunoassays are a novel, rapid, and instrument-free method for biomarker detection.
- The simplicity of the assay protocol may meet regulatory criteria for field use.
- These assays show promise for point-of-care diagnostics in diverse applications.
