Ultrabright Fluorescent Nanorod-Based Immunochromatographic with Low Background for Advancing Detection Performance

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials science
• Analytical chemistry
• Point-of-care diagnostics

Background:

• Nanomaterials-based immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) are crucial for point-of-care testing (POCT).
• Existing platforms face challenges with low background interference and high signal intensity for improved detection.
• Developing sensitive and reliable detection methods for toxins remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-interference, high signal-to-noise ratio fluorescent ICA platform.
• To utilize ultrabright persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) for enhanced detection performance.
• To demonstrate the platform's efficacy in detecting T-2 toxin for practical POCT applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a fluorescent ICA platform using ultrabright persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) of Zn2GeO4:Mn.
• Utilizing 254 nm excitation for intense photoluminescence, minimizing background noise from substrates and samples.
• Development of a portable, 3D-printed detection device with a smartphone application for quantitative analysis.

Main Results:

• The developed immunosensor achieved a highly sensitive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.025 ng/mL for T-2 toxin.
• This represents a 22-fold improvement in sensitivity compared to traditional gold nanoparticle-based ICAs.
• Favorable recovery rates were obtained in practical sample detection, validating the platform's real-world applicability.

Conclusions:

• The ultrabright PLNP-based fluorescent ICA offers a low-background, high-signal platform for enhanced detection.
• This innovative approach significantly improves sensitivity and reduces interference in diagnostic assays.
• The developed portable system demonstrates feasibility and potential for widespread adoption in point-of-care testing.