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Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications
Published on: June 23, 2016
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A detection method for Prorocentrum minimum by an aptamer-gold nanoparticles based colorimetric assay
Fuguo Liu1, Chunyun Zhang2, Yu Duan3
1School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264209, PR China; School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|February 24, 2023
Summary
A new aptamer-gold nanoparticle assay (AGBCA) offers rapid detection of harmful Prorocentrum minimum algal blooms. This sensitive method provides early warnings for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant environmental and economic threats.
- Prorocentrum minimum is a common causative agent of HABs requiring early detection.
- Existing detection methods can be time-consuming or lack sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, rapid, and sensitive colorimetric assay for early warning of Prorocentrum minimum blooms.
- To utilize aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles for specific and efficient detection.
- To establish a quantitative method for P. minimum detection in natural samples.
Main Methods:
- Development of an aptamer-gold nanoparticles (GNPs) based colorimetric assay (AGBCA).
- Exploitation of GNP aggregation in NaCl solution, triggered by P. minimum presence, to cause a spectral shift.
- Spectrophotometric measurement of absorbance changes at 520 nm and 670 nm.
Main Results:
- A linear relationship was observed between absorbance ratio variation and P. minimum concentration (1 x 10^2 - 1 x 10^7 cells mL^-1).
- A low detection limit of 8 cells mL^-1 was achieved.
- The assay demonstrated simplicity, specificity, and high sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The aptamer-gold nanoparticles based colorimetric assay (AGBCA) is a promising tool for quantitative detection of P. minimum.
- This method offers a reliable early warning system for harmful algal blooms.
- The AGBCA is suitable for detecting P. minimum in various natural water samples.
