Optimization of antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for target preconcentration and immunoassays

Exploiting the Potential of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Rapid Diagnosis Tests (RDTs): Nanoparticle-Antibody Conjugates and Color Development Strategies

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a promising material in disease diagnostics due to their potential to enhance detection sensitivity, facilitate concentration and purification of target substances in diverse samples, and enable favorable color-based detection. In this study, antibody-conjugated MNPs were successfully synthesized and validated through two appropriate methods: the measurement of MNPs' size and the use of phosphatase methods. Additionally, three methods were suggested and implemented for developing color in MNPs-based immunoassay, including the formation of MNP aggregations, utilization of MNPs' peroxidase-like activity, and synthesis of dually-conjugated MNPs with both enzyme and antibody. In particular, color development utilizing nanoparticle aggregations was demonstrated to result in a more yellowish color as virus concentration increased, while the peroxidase activity of MNPs exhibited a proportional increase in color intensity as the MNP concentration increased. This observation suggests the potential applicability of quantitative analysis using these methods. Furthermore, effective concentration and purification of target substances were demonstrated through the collection of MNPs using an external magnetic field, irrespective of factors such as antibody conjugation, dispersion medium, or virus binding. Finally, based on the key findings of this study, a design proposal for MNPs-based immunoassay is presented. Overall, MNPs-based immunoassays hold significant potential for advancing disease diagnostics.

Virosome: An engineered virus for vaccine delivery

The purpose of immunization is the effective cellular and humoral immune response against antigens. Several studies on novel vaccine delivery approaches such as micro-particles, liposomes & nanoparticles, etc. against infectious diseases have been investigated so far. In contrast to the conventional approaches in vaccine development, a virosomes-based vaccine represents the next generation in the field of immunization because of its balance between efficacy and tolerability by virtue of its mechanism of immune instigation. The versatility of virosomes as a vaccine adjuvant, and delivery vehicle of molecules of different nature, such as peptides, nucleic acids, and proteins, as well as provide an insight into the prospect of drug targeting using virosomes. This article focuses on the basics of virosomes, structure, composition formulation and development, advantages, interplay with the immune system, current clinical status, different patents highlighting the applications of virosomes and their status, recent advances, and research associated with virosomes, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of virosomes based vaccines and the future prospective.

Latest Trends in Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) Detection Labels and Conjugation Process

LFIA is one of the most successful analytical methods for various target molecules detection. As a recent example, LFIA tests have played an important role in mitigating the effects of the global pandemic with SARS-COV-2, due to their ability to rapidly detect infected individuals and stop further spreading of the virus. For this reason, researchers around the world have done tremendous efforts to improve their sensibility and specificity. The development of LFIA has many sensitive steps, but some of the most important ones are choosing the proper labeling probes, the functionalization method and the conjugation process. There are a series of labeling probes described in the specialized literature, such as gold nanoparticles (GNP), latex particles (LP), magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), quantum dots (QDs) and more recently carbon, silica and europium nanoparticles. The current review aims to present some of the most recent and promising methods for the functionalization of the labeling probes and the conjugation with biomolecules, such as antibodies and antigens. The last chapter is dedicated to a selection of conjugation protocols, applicable to various types of nanoparticles (GNPs, QDs, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, silica and europium nanoparticles).

Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Nanomaterials for Enhanced Biosensor Selectivity and Transduction

Significant healthcare disparities resulting from personal wealth, circumstances of birth, education level, and more are internationally prevalent. As such, advances in biomedical science overwhelmingly benefit a minority of the global population. Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) can contribute to societal equilibrium by making medical diagnostics affordable, convenient, and fast. Unfortunately, conventional POCT appears stagnant in terms of achieving significant advances. This is attributed to the high cost and instability associated with conventional biorecognition: primarily antibodies, but nucleic acids, cells, enzymes, and aptamers have also been used. Instead, state-of-the-art biosensor researchers are increasingly leveraging molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for their high selectivity, excellent stability, and amenability to a variety of physical and chemical manipulations. Besides the elimination of conventional bioreceptors, the incorporation of nanomaterials has further improved the sensitivity of biosensors. Herein, modern nanobiosensors employing MIPs for selectivity and nanomaterials for improved transduction are systematically reviewed. First, a brief synopsis of fabrication and wide-spread challenges with selectivity demonstration are presented. Afterward, the discussion turns to an analysis of relevant case studies published in the last five years. The analysis is given through two lenses: MIP-based biosensors employing specific nanomaterials and those adopting particular transduction strategies. Finally, conclusions are presented along with a look to the future through recommendations for advancing the field. It is hoped that this work will accelerate successful efforts in the field, orient new researchers, and contribute to equitable health care for all.

Surface modification and bioconjugation of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody to magnetic nanoparticles as a highly efficient affinity adsorbent for positive selection of peripheral blood T CD4+ lymphocytes

Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) is a straightforward and time-saving procedure for isolation of different healthy functional cells. The present study aimed for the developing of a new MACS-based platform for isolation of peripheral blood T CD4+ lymphocytes. For this goal, first: Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were prepared by co-precipitation of Fe (III) and Fe (II) ions and then coated by SiO₂ shell, followed by the grafting of N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid (PMIDA) on the surface of fabricated MNP, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PMIDA were formed. These MNP were further tested for their ability to bind CD4 T lymphocytes. Through conjugation of the anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody on the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PMIDA MNP. The newly developed immunomagnetic particles efficiently isolated T CD4+ lymphocytes from whole blood with high purity Therefore, our MNP afford an efficient tool for the cell separation process and further present the dramatic potential to be applied to other areas of biomedical application.

Engineering magnetic nanoparticles and their integration with microfluidics for cell isolation

Isolation of cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses from peripheral blood has important applications in cancer diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and drug development. Magnetic particles functionalized with antibodies that target receptors of cancer cells have been shown to isolate such entities using magnetic field gradients. Here, we report enhancement in capture efficiency and specificity by engineering magnetic nanoparticles and integrating them with microfluidics for the enumeration of tumor cells. Nanoparticles were made from iron oxide, coated with poly(ethylene glycol), and conjugated through avidin-biotin chemistry with antibody specifically against epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). On exposure of targeted nanoparticles to tumor cells, specific uptake by EpCAM-expressing tumor cells (e.g., BxPC3, a pancreatic cancer cell) was observed, whereas there was negligible uptake by cells with low EpCAM expression (e.g., CCRF-CEM, a leukemia cell). Using an arrangement of magnets called a Halbach array, capture efficiency and specificity towards BxPC3 cells tagged with magnetic nanoparticles were enhanced, compared to conditions without the magnetic field gradient and/or without magnetic nanoparticles, either in buffer or in whole blood. These results illustrate that engineered magnetic nanoparticles and their integration with microfluidics have great potential for tumor cell enumeration and cancer prognosis.

Simple geometrical modifications for substantial color intensity and detection limit enhancements in lateral-flow immunochromatographic assays

One of the ongoing challenges in lateral flow Immunochromatographic assays (LFIA), is lowering the limit of detection and enhancing their signal quality, i.e. the color intensity. There are a number of rather costly and complicated processes for this aim, such as the use of functionalized materials/membranes and additional spectroscopic readout units. Nonetheless, there are simple and easy to practice alternatives, to be uncovered by analyzing the essential parameters of immunological reactions. The color intensity of the test line is a function of analytes flow velocity and their reaction rate. Detection pad width and test line position impact the flow velocity and reaction rate kinetics, examined in this paper for the limit of detection (LOD) and test-line color intensity. Firstly, the impact of width on the LOD was examined for human chorionic gonadotropin (pregnancy biomarker). Test line color intensity was measured using five different widths of the detection pad (trapezoidal) and four different test line positions, and the trends observed were explained according to the measured evolution of the velocity along the chromatography paper. With a constant width absorbent pad, LOD was cut by half to 5 mIU/ml by using a narrowing width detection pad, which keeps the wicking velocity higher than normal strips, and compared to them, color intensity increase between 55 and 150%, depending on the concentration. Nevertheless, a widening detection pad might cut the color intensity up to 150%, compared to normal strips, due to a profound decline of the analyte to ligand ratio at the test line. In addition, adequately sending the test line away from the conjugate pad yields the highest possible color intensity, for up to 400% of increase, in lower concentrations and narrowing test pads. However, further distancing the test line downfalls the color intensity.

Antimicrobial peptide based magnetic recognition elements and Au@Ag-GO SERS tags with stable internal standards: a three in one biosensor for isolation, discrimination and killing of multiple bacteria in whole blood

A SERS based biosensor has been developed for isolation, detection and killing of multiple bacterial pathogens.

In this study, a new biosensor based on a sandwich structure has been developed for the isolation and detection of multiple bacterial pathogens via magnetic separation and SERS tags. This novel assay relies on antimicrobial peptide (AMP) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as “capturing” probes for bacteria isolation and gold coated silver decorated graphene oxide (Au@Ag-GO) nanocomposites modified with 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) as SERS tags. When different kinds of bacterial pathogens are combined with the SERS tags, the “fingerprints” of 4-MPBA show corresponding changes due to the recognition interaction between 4-MPBA and different kinds of bacterial cell wall. Compared with the label-free SERS detection of bacteria, 4-MPBA here can be used as an internal standard (IS) to correct the SERS intensities with high reproducibility, as well as a Raman signal reporter to enhance the sensitivity and amplify the differences among the bacterial “fingerprints”. Thus, three bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were successfully isolated and detected, with the lowest concentration for each of the strains detected at just 10¹ colony forming units per mL (CFU mL^–1). According to the changes in the “fingerprints” of 4-MPBA, three bacterial strains were successfully discriminated using discriminant analysis (DA). In addition, the AMP modified Fe₃O₄NPs feature high antibacterial activities, and can act as antibacterial agents with low cellular toxicology in the long-term storage of blood for future safe blood transfusion applications. More importantly, this novel method can be applied in the detection of bacteria from clinical patients who are infected with bacteria. In the validation analysis, 97.3% of the real blood samples (39 patients) could be classified effectively (only one patient infected with E. coli was misclassified). The multifunctional biosensor presented here allows for the simultaneous isolation, discrimination and killing of bacteria, suggesting its high potential for clinical diagnosis and safe blood transfusions.

A Rapid Detection Method of Brucella with Quantum Dots and Magnetic Beads Conjugated with Different Polyclonal Antibodies

Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause zoonotic disease of brucellosis worldwide. Traditional methods for detection of Brucella spp. take 48-72 h that does not meet the need of rapid detection. Herein, a new rapid detection method of Brucella was developed based on polyclonal antibody-conjugating quantum dots and antibody-modified magnetic beads. First, polyclonal antibodies IgG and IgY were prepared and then the antibody conjugated with quantum dots (QDs) and immunomagnetic beads (IMB), respectively, which were activated by N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcar-bodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to form probes. We used the IMB probe to separate the Brucella and labeled by the QD probe, and then detected the fluorescence intensity with a fluorescence spectrometer. The detection method takes 105 min with a limit of detection of 10³ CFU/mL and ranges from 10 to 10⁵ CFU/mL (R ² = 0.9983), and it can be well used in real samples.

Anti-GD2-ch14.18/CHO coated nanoparticles mediate glioblastoma (GBM)-specific delivery of the aromatase inhibitor, Letrozole, reducing proliferation, migration and chemoresistance in patient-derived GBM tumor cells

Aromatase is a critical enzyme in the irreversible conversion of androgens to oestrogens, with inhibition used clinically in hormone-dependent malignancies. We tested the hypothesis that targeted aromatase inhibition in an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma (GBM) may represent a new treatment strategy. In this study, aromatase inhibition was achieved using third generation inhibitor, Letrozole, encapsulated within the core of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). PLGA-NPs were conjugated to human/mouse chimeric anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO, enabling specific targeting of GD2-positive GBM cells. Treatment of primary and recurrent patient-derived GBM cells with free-Letrozole (0.1 μM) led to significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration; in addition to reduced spheroid formation. Anti-GD2-ch14.18/CHO-NPs displayed specific targeting of GBM cells in colorectal-glioblastoma co-culture, with subsequent reduction in GBM cell numbers when treated with anti-GD2-ch14.18-PLGA-Let-NPs in combination with temozolomide. As miR-191 is an estrogen responsive microRNA, its expression, fluctuation and role in Letrozole treated GBM cells was evaluated, where treatment with premiR-191 was capable of rescuing the reduced proliferative phenotype induced by aromatase inhibitor. The repurposing and targeted delivery of Letrozole for the treatment of GBM, with the potential role of miR-191 identified, provides novel avenues for target assessment in this aggressive brain cancer.

Increased transverse relaxivity in ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles used as MRI contrast agent for biomedical imaging

Synthesis of a contrast agent for biomedical imaging is of great interest where magnetic nanoparticles are concerned, because of the strong influence of particle size on transverse relaxivity. In the present study, biocompatible magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ salts, followed by surface adsorption with reduced dextran. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape, and 12 ± 2 nm in size as measured using transmission electron microscopy; this was corroborated with results from X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering studies. The nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behavior, superior T₂ relaxation rate and high relaxivities (r₁  = 18.4 ± 0.3, r₂  = 90.5 ± 0.8 s^-1 mM^-1 , at 7 T). MR image analysis of animals before and after magnetic nanoparticle administration revealed that the signal intensity of tumor imaging, specific organ imaging and whole body imaging can be clearly distinguished, due to the strong relaxation properties of these nanoparticles. Very low concentrations (3.0 mg Fe/kg body weight) of iron oxides are sufficient for early detection of tumors, and also have a clear distinction in pre- and post-enhancement of contrast in organs and body imaging. Many investigators have demonstrated high relaxivities of magnetic nanoparticles at superparamagnetic iron oxide level above 50 nm, but this investigation presents a satisfactory, ultrasmall, superparamagnetic and high transverse relaxivity negative contrast agent for diagnosis in pre-clinical studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transforming the blood glucose meter into a general healthcare meter for in vitro diagnostics in mobile health

Recent advances in mobile network and smartphones have provided an enormous opportunity for transforming in vitro diagnostics (IVD) from central labs to home or other points of care (POC). A major challenge to achieving the goal is a long time and high costs associated with developing POC IVD devices in mobile Health (mHealth). Instead of developing a new POC device for every new IVD target, we and others are taking advantage of decades of research, development, engineering and continuous improvement of the blood glucose meter (BGM), including those already integrated with smartphones, and transforming the BGM into a general healthcare meter for POC IVDs of a wide range of biomarkers, therapeutic drugs and other analytical targets. In this review, we summarize methods to transduce and amplify selective binding of targets by antibodies, DNA/RNA aptamers, DNAzyme/ribozymes and protein enzymes into signals such as glucose or NADH that can be measured by commercially available BGM, making it possible to adapt many clinical assays performed in central labs, such as immunoassays, aptamer/DNAzyme assays, molecular diagnostic assays, and enzymatic activity assays onto BGM platform for quantification of non-glucose targets for a wide variety of IVDs in mHealth.

A Magnetic Nanoparticle Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Sensitive Quantification of Zearalenone in Cereal and Feed Samples

A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on magnetic nanoparticles and biotin/streptavidin-HRP (MNP-bsELISA) was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of zearalenone (ZEN). The detection signal was enhanced and the sensitivity of the assay was improved by combined use of antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles and biotin-streptavidin system. Under the optimized conditions, the regression equation for quantification of ZEN was y = −0.4287x + 0.3132 (R² = 0.9904). The working range was 0.07–2.41 ng/mL. The detection limit was 0.04 ng/mL and IC₅₀ was 0.37 ng/mL. The recovery rates of intra-assay and inter-assay ranged from 92.8%–111.9% and 91.7%–114.5%, respectively, in spiked corn samples. Coefficients of variation were less than 10% in both cases. Parallel analysis of cereal and feed samples showed good correlation between MNP-bsELISA and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (R² = 0.9283). We conclude that this method is suitable for rapid detection of zearalenone in cereal and feed samples in relevant laboratories.

High performance wash-free magnetic bioassays through microfluidically enhanced particle specificity

Magnetic biosensors have emerged as a sensitive and versatile platform for high performance medical diagnostics. These magnetic biosensors require well-tailored magnetic particles as detection probes, which need to give rise to a large and specific biological signal while showing very low nonspecific binding. This is especially important in wash-free bioassay protocols, which do not require removal of particles before measurement, often a necessity in point of care diagnostics. Here we show that magnetic interactions between magnetic particles and magnetized sensors dramatically impact particle transport and magnetic adhesion to the sensor surfaces. We investigate the dynamics of magnetic particles’ biomolecular binding and magnetic adhesion to the sensor surface using microfluidic experiments. We elucidate how flow forces can inhibit magnetic adhesion, greatly diminishing or even eliminating nonspecific signals in wash-free magnetic bioassays, and enhancing signal to noise ratios by several orders of magnitude. Our method is useful for selecting and optimizing magnetic particles for a wide range of magnetic sensor platforms.

Nano-magnetic immunosensor based on staphylococcus protein a and the amplification effect of HRP-conjugated phage antibody

In this research, super-paramagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (magnetic particles) were coated with Staphylococcus protein A (SPA) and coupled with polyclonal antibody (pcAb) to construct magnetic capturing probes, and HRP-conjugated phage antibody was then used as specific detecting probe to design a labeled immunosensor for trace detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The linear detection range of the sensor was 0.008~125 µg/L, the regression equation was Y = 0.487X + 1.2 (R = 0.996, N = 15, p < 0.0001), the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.008 µg/L, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.008 µg/L. HRP-conjugated phage antibody, SPA and magnetic particles can enhance the sensitivity 4-fold, 3-fold and 2.6-fold higher, respectively. Compared with conventional double-antibody sandwich ELISA, the detection sensitivity of the sensor was 31-fold higher resulting from the integrated amplifying effect. The immunosensor integrates the unique advantages of SPA-oriented antibody as magnetic capturing probe, HRP-conjugated phage antibody as detecting probe, magnetic separation immunoassay technique, and several other advanced techniques, so it achieves high sensitivity, specificity and interference-resistance. It is proven to be well suited for analysis of trace SEB in various environmental samples with high recovery rate and reproducibility.

Multimodal theranostic nanomaterials derived from phthalocyanine-based organic salt

This study represents a one pot simplistic approach towards development of multimodal theranostic nanomaterials.

Rapid immunoenzyme assay of aflatoxin B1 using magnetic nanoparticles

The main limitations of microplate-based enzyme immunoassays are the prolonged incubations necessary to facilitate heterogeneous interactions, the complex matrix and poorly soluble antigens, and the significant sample dilutions often required because of the presence of organic extractants. This study presents the use of antibody immobilization on the surface of magnetic particles to overcome these limitations in the detection of the mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1. Features of the proposed system are a high degree of nanoparticle dispersion and methodologically simple immobilization of the antibodies by adsorption. Reactions between the immobilized antibodies with native and labeled antigens are conducted in solution, thereby reducing the interaction period to 5 min without impairing the analytical outcome. Adsorption of immunoglobulins on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles increases their stability in aqueous-organic media, thus minimizing the degree of sample dilution required. Testing barley and maize extracts demonstrated a limit of aflatoxin B1 detection equal to 20 pg/mL and total assay duration of 20 min. Using this method, only the 3-fold dilution of the initial methanol/water (60/40) extraction mixture in the microplate wells is necessary. The proposed pseudo-homogeneous approach could be applied toward immunodetection of a wide range of compounds.

Evaluation of direct versus multi-layer passivation and capture chemistries for nanoparticle-based biosensor applications

Nanoparticles used in biosensor applications often fail when deployed directly in complex biological fluids. This is due to surface fouling and interference from the large concentration of non-specific binders (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and saccharides) in the matrix. We systematically investigate four orthogonal approaches for decorating nanoparticle surfaces with affinity probes and evaluate their performance in buffer and serum. Carbodiimide coupling, cooper-mediated 'click' coupling, copper-free click coupling and thiol-maleimide coupling were quantitatively controlled during the fabrication process. Analyte mediated aggregation of fluorescent reporters and paramagnetic nanoparticle in a sandwich immunoassay was then used to probe assay sensitivity and specificity using an early biomarker of dengue fever, NS-1, as an exemplar and clinically relevant analyte. The type of surface functionalization played a vital role in assay performance in buffer versus serum at the assay sensitivity limit (3 ng/mL in serum) and over the linearity of response of the assay's dynamic range. There was a 10 fold increase on the dynamic range of the detection of NS1 comparing copper free click coupling to carbodiimide coupling, one of the most common approaches for nanoparticle functionalization. By tuning their size, we could carefully monitor the evolution of nanoparticle populations by flow cytometer and discriminate between unbound and fluorescent nanoparticles. This subtle control on each assay component resulted in more than a 10-fold reduction in fluorescence background and improved the sensitivity of almost two orders of magnitude compared to endpoint measurements.

Development of nanobody-based flow injection chemiluminescence immunoassay for sensitive detection of human prealbumin

Nanobodies, derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, have novel and impactful applications in clinical diagnostics. Our objective is to develop a nanobody-based chemiluminescence immunoassay for sensitive detection of human prealbumin (PA). In this context, a phage display nanobody library is constructed via immunizing dromedary camel with human prealbumin. Three nanobodies have been identified by five successive bio-panning steps. Based on their high expression level and good affinity, two out of three are chosen for further study. Magnetic beads (MBs) were functionalized with PEI by acylamide bond formed between the carboxyl group on the surface of the MB. Then, an anti-PA nanobody (Nb1) can be effectively immobilized onto the surface of the functionalized MB using glutaradehyde as the link. The modified MBs with Nb1 can specifically capture the target PA and reacted with silica nanoparticles with co-immobilized HRP and anti-PA nanobody (Nb2). The concentration of PA was detected by flow injection chemiluminescence. When using MB/PEI as the carrier of anti-PA Nb1, the CL signal significantly increased to 4-fold compared with the signal using MB without PEI modification. The CL signal was further amplified to 5-fold when Si/Nb2 was used as the signal probe. Under optimized conditions, the present immunoassay exhibited a wide quantitative range from 0.05 to 1000 μg L(-1) with a detection limit of 0.01 μg L(-1). The sensitivity of the proposed immunoassay offers great promises in providing a sensitive, specific, time saving, and potential method for detecting PA in clinical settings.

Effect of surface modification on magnetization of iron oxide nanoparticle colloids

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have numerous applications in the biomedical field, some more mature, such as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and some emerging, such as heating agents in hyperthermia for cancer therapy. In all of these applications, the magnetic particles are coated with surfactants and polymers to enhance biocompatibility, prevent agglomeration, and add functionality. However, the coatings may interact with the surface atoms of the magnetic core and form a magnetically disordered layer, reducing the total amount of the magnetic phase, which is the key parameter in many applications. In the current study, amine and carboxyl functionalized and bare iron oxide nanoparticles, all suspended in water, were purchased and characterized. The presence of the coatings in commercial samples was verified with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The class of iron oxide (magnetite) was verified via Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. In addition to these, in-house prepared iron oxide nanoparticles coated with oleic acid and suspended in heptane and hexane were also investigated. The saturation magnetization obtained from vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements was used to determine the effective concentration of magnetic phase in all samples. The Tiron chelation test was then utilized to check the real concentration of the iron oxide in the suspension. The difference between the concentration results from VSM and the Tiron test confirmed the reduction of magnetic phase of magnetic core in the presence of coatings and different suspension media. For the biocompatible coatings, the largest reduction was experienced by amine particles, where the ratio of the effective weight of magnetic phase reported to the real weight was 0.5. Carboxyl-coated samples experienced smaller reduction with a ratio of 0.64. Uncoated sample also exhibits a reduction with a ratio of 0.6. Oleic acid covered samples show a solvent-depended reduction with a ratio of 0.5 in heptane and 0.4 in hexane. The corresponding effective thickness of the nonmagnetic layer between magnetic core and surface coating was calculated by fitting experimentally measured magnetization to the modified Langevin equation.

Miniaturized protein microarray with internal calibration as point-of-care device for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is still a leading cause of death among newborns. Therefore a protein-microarray for point-of-care testing that simultaneously quantifies the sepsis associated serum proteins IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF alpha, S-100, PCT, E-Selectin, CRP and Neopterin has been developed. The chip works with only a 4 μL patient serum sample and hence minimizes excessive blood withdrawal from newborns. The 4 μL patient samples are diluted with 36 μL assay buffer and distributed to four slides for repetitive measurements. Streptavidin coated magnetic particles that act as distinct stirring detection components are added, not only to stir the sample, but also to detect antibody antigen binding events. We demonstrate that the test is complete within 2.5 h using a single step assay. S-100 conjugated to BSA is spotted in increasing concentrations to create an internal calibration. The presented low volume protein-chip fulfills the requirements of point-of-care testing for accurate and repeatable (CV < 14%) quantification of serum proteins for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Multifunctional nanoprobes for pathogen-selective capture and detection

The synthesis of magnetic and fluorescent particles is described. The particles are biofunctionalized by binding pathogen-specific proteins to the particles via interactions between His-tags of proteins and zinc of the quantum dots. Detection of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by these particles is demonstrated.