Rapid antigen test based on gold nanoparticles embedded with highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for accurate, sensitive, and rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing.
• Current rapid antigen testing (RAT) methods lack the sensitivity of RT-PCR and rely on visual interpretation.
• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been explored to improve RAT, but limitations remain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive detection method for SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
• To enhance the sensitivity of conventional lateral flow assay (LFA) technology.
• To overcome the visual detection limitations of current RAT.

Main Methods:

• Application of gold-nanobridged nanogap particles (Au-NNPs) in LFA technology.
• Utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for signal detection.
• Incorporation of Raman dye-embedded Au-NNPs for enhanced signal.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-sensitivity detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens below the visual limit.
• Significantly increased the sensitivity of RAT compared to conventional methods.
• Demonstrated the potential of Au-NNPs and SERS for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Au-NNPs combined with SERS offer a significant advancement in RAT sensitivity.
• This approach maintains the simplicity and rapidity of LFA technology.
• The developed bio-nanotechnology has broad applications in health and social issue diagnostics.