Label-free multiplexed detection based on core-shell photonic barcodes integrated RCA

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate and rapid virus quantification is crucial for biomedical detection.
• Existing methods may lack multiplexing capabilities or sensitivity for simultaneous detection of multiple viral targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a label-free, multiplexed virus screening quantitative biosensor.
• To integrate photonic crystal (PhC) barcodes with rolling circle amplification (RCA) for enhanced detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a core-shell hydrogel photonic crystal (PhC) barcode using acrylic acid and polyethylene glycol diacrylate.
• Utilizing a silica photonic crystal core for detection and adjusting its structure for distinct color barcodes.
• Implementing a DNA-decorated antibody complex with a blocked primer and RCA strategy to convert protein signals to nucleic acid signals.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2-N, SARS-CoV-2-S, and H1N1 in a single reaction.
• Achieved highly sensitive multiplexed quantitative detection with a detection limit as low as 0.30 pg/mL.
• Validated the platform with clinical samples, demonstrating high accuracy and specificity.

Conclusions:

• The developed biosensor offers a promising platform for rapid, sensitive, and accurate multiplexed virus detection.
• The integration of PhC barcodes and RCA provides a versatile approach for biomedical screening.
• The biosensor shows significant potential for clinical diagnosis and screening applications.