Ultrasensitive quantitative detection of small molecules with rapid lateral-flow assay based on high-affinity bifunctional ligand and magnetic nanolabels

An ultrasensitive lateral-flow assay is developed for rapid quantitative detection of small molecules on-site. The conceptual novelty, which transfers lateral-flow assays to the category of highly sensitive quantitative systems, is due to employment of a bifunctional ligand combined with volumetric registration of magnetic nanolabels. The ligand provides extremely high affinity for trapping the nanolabels and, simultaneously, efficiently competes with the analyzed molecules for the limited quantity of antigen-binding sites on the nanolabels. The developed assay has been demonstrated as the first express method for measuring in human serum of free thyroxine (fT4). The limit of detection is 20 fМ or 16 fg/ml at the assay time <30 min with the dynamic range of 3 orders. Besides, we present the results of first characterization of kinetic parameters of interaction between free thyroxine and monoclonal antibody, as well as of competitive relationship between fT4 and fT4-biotin. The proposed universal platform can be used for ultrasensitive detection of small molecules in human in vitro diagnostics, veterinary, biosafety and counter-terrorism, food quality control, environmental monitoring, etc., as well as for search of new, previously undetectable, diagnostic markers in medicine.

Nanobiosensing based on optically selected antibodies and superparamagnetic labels for rapid and highly sensitive quantification of polyvalent hepatitis B surface antigen

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the most clinically relevant serological marker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Its detection in blood is extremely important for identification of asymptomatic individuals or chronic HBV carriers, screening blood donors, and early seroconversion. Rapid point-of-care HBsAg tests are predominantly qualitative, and their analytical sensitivity does not meet the requirements of regulatory agencies. We present a highly sensitive lateral flow assay based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles for rapid quantification (within 30 min) of polyvalent HBsAg in serum. The demonstrated limit of detection (LOD) of 80 pg mL^-1 in human serum is better than both the FDA recommendations for HBsAg assays (which is 0.5 ng mL^-1) and the sensitivity of traditional laboratory-based methods such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Along with the attractive LOD at lower concentrations and the wide linear dynamic range of more than 2.5 orders, the assay features rapidity, user-friendliness, on-site operation and effective performance in the complex biological medium. These are due to the combination of the immunochromatographic approach with a highly sensitive electronic registration of superparamagnetic nanolabels over the entire volume of a 3D test structure by their non-linear magnetization and selection of optimal antibodies by original optical label-free methods. The developed cost-efficient bioanalytical technology can be used in many socially important fields such as out-of-lab screening and diagnosis of HBV infection at a point-of-demand, especially in hard-to-reach or sparsely populated areas, as well as highly endemic regions.

Rapid and Easy-to-Use Method for Accurate Characterization of Target Binding and Kinetics of Magnetic Particle Bioconjugates for Biosensing

The ever-increasing use of magnetic particle bioconjugates (MPB) in biosensors calls for methods of comprehensive characterization of their interaction with targets. Label-free optical sensors commonly used for studying inter-molecular interactions have limited potential for MPB because of their large size and multi-component non-transparent structure. We present an easy-to-use method that requires only three 20-min express measurements to determine the key parameters for selection of optimal MPB for a biosensor: kinetic and equilibrium characteristics, and a fraction of biomolecules on the MPB surface that are capable of active targeting. The method also provides a prognostic dependence of MPB targeting efficiency upon interaction duration and sample volume. These features are possible due to joining a magnetic lateral flow assay, a highly sensitive sensor for MPB detection by the magnetic particle quantification technique, and a novel mathematical model that explicitly describes the MPB-target interactions and does not comprise parameters to be fitted additionally. The method was demonstrated by experiments on MPB targeting of cardiac troponin I and staphylococcal enterotoxin B. The validation by an independent label-free technique of spectral-correlation interferometry showed good correlation between the results obtained by both methods. The presented method can be applied to other targets for faster development and selection of MPB for affinity sensors, analytical technologies, and realization of novel concepts of MPB-based biosensing in vivo.

Spectral-Phase Interferometry Detection of Ochratoxin A via Aptamer-Functionalized Graphene Coated Glass

In this work, we report a novel method of label-free detection of small molecules based on direct observation of interferometric signal change in graphene-modified glasses. The interferometric sensor chips are fabricated via a conventional wet transfer method of CVD-grown graphene onto the glass coverslips, lowering the device cost and allowing for upscaling the sensor fabrication. For the first time, we report the use of graphene functionalized by the aptamer as the bioreceptor, in conjunction with Spectral-Phase Interferometry (SPI) for detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). In a direct assay with an OTA-specific aptamer, we demonstrated a quick and significant change of the optical signal in response to the maximum tolerable level of OTA concentration. The sensor regeneration is possible in urea solution. The developed platform enables a direct method of kinetic analysis of small molecules using a low-cost optical chip with a graphene-aptamer sensing layer.

Damped spin waves in the intermediate ordered phases in Ni3V2O8

Spin dynamics in the intermediate ordered phases (between 4 and 9 K) in Ni3V2O8 have been studied with inelastic neutron scattering. It is found that the spin waves are very diffuse, indicative of short lived correlations and the coexistence of paramagnetic moments with the long-range ordered state.

[One-stage cryoablation of two renal tumors]

The progressive development of medical technologies allowed the introduction of alternative methods of treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma with a tendency to organ-sparing approach. Cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and some experimental methods of treatment (microwave and laser ablation, therapy with high-intensity focused ultrasound) are referred to minimally invasive treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Cryoablation is highly effective alternative method of treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The main advantages of this technique are tumor visualization and formation of 'ice ball' in real time, fewer complications compared with other methods, as well as the possibility of cryotherapy in critically ill patients. Compared to other ablative technologies, cryoablation is followed by low percentage of redo treatment and good intermediate oncological results. We described the experience of one-stage cryoablation of two kidney tumors in this report.

A study of prostate multiprobe cryoablation near urethra for precision treatment planning

The simplified preoperative planning of multiprobe prostate cryoablation limits its efficiency. In order to improve it, the thermal history prediction software is being developed. However, the problem of high risks at the prostate-urethra boundary has not been solved yet. The urethral warming system is used to protect the urethral canal from freezing. On the one hand it is used to reduce the risk of damage to the urethra; on the other hand it increases the risk of insufficient ablation of the tumor. This paper presents a step towards the possibility of carrying out the precision prostate cryoablation in this region. For the experimental part, three cases of arrangement of one and two argon cryoprobes and a heating catheter have been considered. Freezing zone shape and dimensions, and temperature at control points depending on time have been obtained. Experimental results have clearly shown the effect of the heating catheter, the second cryoprobe, and the initial temperature of the biotissue phantom on the freezing zone. After, the thermal aspects of treatment simulation have been developed and verified. A series of calculations have been carried out with the goal to get the information about optimizing the prostate cryoablation on the prostate-urethra boundary. The arrangement of cryoprobes has been proposed for three different variants for prostate cryoablation (sectors of 90, 180° and 360°). The area of prostate tissues near the urethra that cannot be cooled below the necrosis temperature is shown. This information is expected to be useful for improving the quality of cryosurgery planning algorithms (e.g. for tumor treatment).

[Current methods of early diagnosis of prostate cancer]

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for lung cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to identify diagnostic methods for early detection of prostate cancer to determine patients from healthy populations, which helps guide a timely treatment at an initial stage of the disease. The article provides an in-depth review of the most current diagnostic biomarkers of prostate cancer, their role in clinical practice as a means of the early detection and screening for prostate cancer.