Linker-Preserved Iron Metal-Organic Framework-Based Lateral Flow Assay for Sensitive Transglutaminase 2 Detection in...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis relies on identifying specific biomarkers.
• Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) is a recognized biomarker for CKD.
• Existing detection methods for TGM2 can be limited in sensitivity and speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and rapid colorimetric lateral flow assay (LFA) for TGM2 detection.
• To utilize the metal-organic framework MIL-101(Fe) as a novel labeling material for LFAs.
• To establish a visual, naked-eye detection method for TGM2 in urine specimens.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification of MIL-101(Fe) with oxalyl chloride, adipoyl chloride, and poly(acrylic) acid (PAA).
• Development of a colorimetric lateral flow assay (LFA) incorporating the MIL-101(Fe)-PAA label.
• Validation of the LFA's sensitivity, reproducibility, recovery, and storage stability.
• Application of machine learning for precise TGM2 concentration determination.

Main Results:

• The MIL-101(Fe)-PAA labeled LFA achieved detection limits as low as 0.009 nM for TGM2 in urine.
• This represents a 55-fold improvement in sensitivity compared to conventional gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based LFAs.
• The assay demonstrated excellent reproducibility (CV < 2.9%), recovery (95.9-103.2%), and storage stability (CV < 6.0% over 25 days).
• Detection of TGM2 was achieved within 20 minutes.

Conclusions:

• MIL-101(Fe)-PAA serves as an effective and sensitive visual label for colorimetric LFAs.
• The developed LFA provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for TGM2 detection in urine.
• This assay holds significant potential for the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of CKD.