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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Fluorescent Lateral Flow Immunoassay Based on Quantum Dots Nanobeads
Published on: June 28, 2024
Quantitative detection of antibody based on single-molecule counting by total internal reflection fluorescence
Dafeng Jiang1, Lei Wang, Wei Jiang
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100 Jinan, PR China.
Insights
This study introduces a sensitive single-molecule counting method using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and quantum dots for antibody quantification. The technique enables precise measurement of antibody concentrations with a wide linear range.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Accurate antibody quantification is crucial for various biological and medical applications.
- Traditional immunoassay methods can suffer from limited sensitivity and dynamic range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive method for quantifying antibodies.
- To utilize single-molecule counting principles for precise antibody measurement.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of biotinylated monoclonal anti-human IgG on a silanized glass substrate.
- Labeling of target antibodies with streptavidin-coated quantum dots as fluorescent probes.
- Detection and counting of single fluorescent spots using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and an electron multiplying charge-coupled device.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of single-molecule counting for antibody quantification.
- Achieved a linear range from 8.0 x 10(-14) to 5.0 x 10(-12) mol/L for antibody concentration.
- Demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting and quantifying target antibody molecules.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a sensitive and precise approach for antibody quantification.
- Single-molecule counting via TIRF microscopy provides a robust platform for biomarker detection.
- This technique has potential applications in diagnostics and fundamental biological research.
Abstract:
We presented a sensitive method to quantify antibody based on single-molecule counting by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with quantum dot labeling. In this method, the biotinylated monoclonal anti-human IgG molecules were immobilized on the silanized glass substrate surface. By the strong biotin-streptavidin affinity, streptavidin-coated quantum dots were labeled to the target molecules as fluorescent probe. Then, images of fluorescent spots in the evanescent wave field were obtained by a high-sensitivity electron multiplying charge-coupled device. Finally, the number of fluorescent spots corresponding to single molecules in the subframe images was counted, one by one. The linear range of 8.0 x 10(-14) to 5.0 x 10(-12)molL(-1) was obtained between the number of single molecules and the sample concentration.
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