Biomolecular Surface Functionalization and Stabilization Method to Fabricate Quantum Dots Nanobeads for Accurate...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Surface functionalization of quantum dots (QDs) is crucial for biological applications.
• Existing QDs often lack stability and optimal photoluminescence for bio-labeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustainable and stable synthesis of QDs nanobeads using protein surface functionalization and silica encapsulation.
• To create a robust biosensor for biomarker detection in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized bovine serum albumin (BSA) macromolecules as multidentate ligands to functionalize QD surfaces.
• Combined protein functionalization with silica encapsulation for QD nanobead synthesis.
• Constructed a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) biosensor using the developed QDs nanobeads.

Main Results:

• Synthesized QDs nanobeads with 20x higher photoluminescence compared to hydrophobic QDs.
• Achieved excellent stability of nanobeads under physiological conditions.
• Demonstrated rapid (10 min) and specific detection of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in whole blood samples.
• Established a linear detection range of 4.2% to 13.6% for HbA1c.
• Validated clinical utility and accuracy through long-term storage tests.

Conclusions:

• Protein surface modification provides a novel strategy to enhance the biological applicability of QDs.
• The developed QDs nanobeads offer a promising platform for sensitive and stable biomarker detection in clinical diagnostics.
• This approach facilitates the development of advanced biosensors for point-of-care testing.