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Developing an improved optical biosensing system based on gold nanoparticles acting as interferometric enhancers in
L G Valle1,2, B Santamaría1,2,3, A Lavín1,2,4
1Group of Optics, Photonics, and Biophotonics, Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de la UPM, Campus de Montegancedo, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain. m.holgado@upm.es.
This study introduces a novel biosensing system using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance the Interferometric Optical Detection Method (IODM) for improved immunoassay performance. The developed system shows promise for various biological detection applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensing
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Immunoassays are crucial for disease detection.
- Current methods face limitations in sensitivity and performance.
- Interferometric Optical Detection Method (IODM) offers label-free detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel biosensing system.
- To enhance immunoassay performance using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with IODM.
- To validate the system using a Lactoferrin immunoassay.
Main Methods:
- Production and functionalization of AuNPs with anti-Lactoferrin (anti-LF).
- Characterization of AuNP conjugates using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Development of a Lactoferrin sandwich immunoassay using IODM and AuNPs.
Main Results:
- AuNPs significantly improved the interferometric signals, acting as enhancers.
- Kinetic constants and sensing surface coverage were calculated.
- The AuNP-enhanced IODM biosensor demonstrated improved Limit of Detection and sensitivity compared to traditional ELISA.
Conclusions:
- AuNPs effectively amplify IODM signals for enhanced biosensing.
- The developed biosensing system shows potential for sensitive and specific biological detection.
- This approach offers a versatile platform for various diagnostic applications.
