Robust immunosensing system based on biotin-streptavidin coupling for spatially localized femtogram mL-1 level

Kaixin Zhang1, Guozhen Liu2, Ewa M Goldys1

  • 1ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics (CNBP), Macquarie University, North Ryde 2109, Australia.

Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|November 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study presents an ultrasensitive optical fiber sensor for detecting interleukin-6 (IL-6) at femtogram levels in biological samples. The novel sensor achieves high sensitivity and spatial localization, offering a promising tool for biomedical research.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Accurate detection of low cytokine concentrations, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), is crucial for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
  • Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or spatial resolution required for certain applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an ultrasensitive, spatially-localized optical fiber sensor for detecting interleukin-6 (IL-6).
  • To validate the sensor's performance in biological matrices like serum and cell culture media.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a sandwich immunosensor on an optical fiber surface using biotin-streptavidin coupling for antibody immobilization.
  • Utilizing fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for signal detection of captured IL-6.
  • Demonstrating localized detection with a spatial resolution of 200µm and a sample volume of 1µL.

Main Results:

  • Achieved ultrasensitive detection of IL-6 down to 0.1 pg/mL, with a linear range from 0.4 pg/mL to 400 pg/mL.
  • Successfully demonstrated spatially-localized detection of IL-6 in serum and cell culture media.
  • The sensor's performance was comparable to the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting IL-6 secreted by BV-2 cells.

Conclusions:

  • The developed optical fiber sensor provides ultrasensitive and spatially-localized detection of IL-6.
  • This technology holds significant potential for advancing biomedical research and clinical applications requiring precise cytokine quantification.

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