Development of a Dual Fluorescence Signal-Enhancement Immunosensor Based on Substrate Modification for Simultaneous...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• High-sensitivity biomarker detection is crucial for accurate and early disease diagnosis.
• Current methods may require larger sample volumes, limiting early detection capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual fluorescence signal-enhancement immunosensor for simultaneous detection of IL-6 and PCT.
• To achieve sensitive detection using low sample volumes (∼20 μL).

Main Methods:

• Preparation of quantum dot (QD) nanobeads (QBs) with optimized surfactants.
• Development of a dual fluorescence signal-enhancement strategy using antibody-functionalized substrates and polymer/silica double-protected QBs.
• Fabrication of a low-volume polydimethylsiloxane (HS-PDMS) immunosensor.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 5-fold fluorescence intensity enhancement.
• Demonstrated simultaneous detection of IL-6 and PCT with a linear range of 0.05-50 ng/mL.
• Obtained limits of detection (LOD) of 24 pg/mL for IL-6 and 32 pg/mL for PCT using only 20% of the volume required by traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed HS-PDMS immunosensor enables sensitive, simultaneous detection of IL-6 and PCT in microvolumes.
• This technology supports early disease diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions.
• Offers a promising tool for clinical diagnostics requiring minimal sample input.