High sensitivity detection of biotinylated molecules using a high-resolution resistive pulse sensor.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Biotinylation is essential for molecular tagging in various biological applications.
• Accurate detection of biotinylated molecules is critical for reliable assays and diagnostics.
• Current detection methods may lack sensitivity or require extensive sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, highly sensitive method for analyzing biotinylated targets.
• To integrate microfluidic resistive pulse sensing with a competitive nanodimer assay.
• To enable universal and precise quantification of biotinylated molecules.

Main Methods:

• Utilized gold nanoparticle (GNP) counting with a microfluidic resistive pulse sensor.
• Employed a competitive nanodimer formation assay involving biotin- and streptavidin-modified GNPs.
• Quantified biotinylated targets by measuring the inhibition of nanodimer formation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated ultra-sensitive detection of biotinylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) down to 0.7606 pg mL⁻¹.
• Showcased significant shifts in dimer ratio corresponding to minute changes in target concentration.
• Validated the single-particle detection capability of the resistive pulse sensor.

Conclusions:

• The novel strategy provides ultra-sensitive and accurate quantification of biotinylated molecules.
• Minimal calibration and sample preparation are required, enhancing practicality.
• This approach has broad potential in biotechnology, diagnostics, and tissue engineering.