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Double Signal Amplification Strategy for Dual-Analyte Fluorescent Aptasensors for Visualizing Cancer Biomarker
Yanli Zhu1, Jikai Wang2, Haitao Xie3
1School of Resources and Environment, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha, 410205 Hunan, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 13, 2022
Summary
We developed a new fluorescence assay (TARFA) for early cancer diagnosis using near-infrared emitting nanodots. This sensitive method detects two key biomarkers, offering a portable and visual diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker detection
- Nanotechnology
- Point-of-care diagnostics
Background:
- Early cancer diagnosis requires sensitive, simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers.
- Existing methods often lack sensitivity, specificity, or point-of-care (POC) convenience.
- Minimizing background interference is crucial for accurate results in complex sample matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel target amplification-assisted ratiometric fluorescence assay (TARFA) platform.
- To achieve sensitive and specific detection of malignancy-associated biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis.
- To integrate near-infrared (NIR) excited nanodots for reduced background interference and enhanced portability.
Main Methods:
- Development of a TARFA platform combining dual-amplification (enzymatic target recycling and hybridization chain reaction) with colorimetric readout.
- Utilized ultrasmall (<10 nm) NIR-excited alkaline-earth sulfide nanodots (ASNDs) as fluorescent labels.
- Simultaneously detected vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble interleukin-6 receptors (sIL-6R) using ASNDs and dual amplification.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection limit in the pg/mL range for VEGF and sIL-6R.
- Demonstrated improved sensitivity for cancer diagnosis through combined detection of dual analytes.
- Enabled reliable quantification via ratio-dependent ratiometric RGB signals and visual color transformation for POC analysis.
Conclusions:
- The TARFA platform offers a sensitive, specific, and portable method for early cancer diagnosis.
- NIR-excited ASNDs show significant potential for biomolecular fluorescent labeling in POC applications.
- The developed assay provides a convenient visual analysis tool, comparable to pH indicator strips, with high precision.
