Dual-Signal Readout Nanospheres for Rapid Point-of-Care Detection of Ebola Virus Glycoprotein

Anal Chem. 2017 Dec 19;89(24):13105-13111. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02222. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Abstract

Rapid detection of highly contagious pathogens is the key to increasing the probability of survival and reducing infection rates. We developed a sensitive and quantitative lateral flow assay for detection of Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein with a novel multifunctional nanosphere (RNs@Au) as a reporter. Each RNs@Au contains hundreds of quantum dots and dozens of Au nanoparticles and can achieve enhanced dual-signal readout (fluorescence signal for quantitative detection and colorimetric signal for visual detection). Antibody (Ab) and streptavidin (SA) were simultaneously modified onto the RNs@Au to label the target and act as signal enhancer. After the target was labeled by the Ab-RNs@Au-SA and captured on the test line, biotin-modified RNs@Au was used to amplify the dual signal by the reaction of SA with biotin. The assay enables naked-eye detection of 2 ng/mL glycoprotein within 20 min, and the quantitative detection limit is 0.18 ng/mL. Additionally, the assay has been successfully tested in field work for detecting EBOV in spiked urine, plasma, and tap water samples and is thus a promising candidate for early diagnosis of suspect infections in EBOV-stricken areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ebolavirus / chemistry*
  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Nanospheres / chemistry*
  • Point-of-Care Systems*

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Gold

Grants and funding