Rapid Detection of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) with Lateral Flow Aptasensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker for liver diseases.
• Current AFP detection methods often require complex laboratory procedures.
• There is a need for rapid, sensitive, and accessible diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an antibody-free lateral flow aptasensor for visual detection of AFP.
• To establish a proof-of-concept for aptamer-based detection on lateral flow test strips.
• To enable rapid, on-site detection of AFP in human serum.

Main Methods:

• Utilized aptamers for molecular recognition of AFP.
• Employed gold nanoparticles for optical signal generation.
• Developed a lateral flow assay on standard test strips.
• Performed both qualitative visual assessment and quantitative optical measurements.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful detection of AFP using aptamer probes.
• Achieved a linear detection range of 10-100 ng/mL for AFP.
• Established a minimum detection limit of 10 ng/mL.
• Validated the assay's performance in detecting AFP in human serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The aptasensor provides a rapid, antibody-free method for AFP detection.
• The assay simplifies the detection process by eliminating incubation and washing steps.
• Aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles show significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics.