Quantitative and reversible lectin-induced association of gold nanoparticles modified with alpha-lactosyl-omega-mercapto-poly(ethylene glycol)

Design of poly(ethylene glycol)/streptavidin coimmobilized upconversion nanophosphors and their application to fluorescence biolabeling

Infrared-to-visible upconversion phosphors (i.e., rare earth ion-doped Y2O3 nanoparticles (UNPs)) were synthesized by the homogeneous precipitation method. Because the charge on the erbium (Er) ion-doped Y2O3 (Y2O3:Er) NP (UNP1) surface is positive under neutral conditions, the UNP1 surface was electrostatically PEGylated using negatively charged poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(acrylic acid) (PEG- b-PAAc). The adsorption of PEG- b-PAAc was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface charge of the PEGylated UNP1s (PEG-UNP1s) was effectively shielded by the PEGylation. The dispersion stability of the UNP1s was also significantly improved by the PEGylation. The PEG-UNP1s were dispersed over 1 week under physiological conditions as a result of the steric repulsion between the PEG chains on the UNP1 surface. The upconversion emission spectrum of PEG-UNP1s was observed under physiological conditions and was confirmed by near-infrared excited fluorescence microscope observation. Streptavidin (SA)-installed ytterbium (Yb) and Er ion-codoped Y2O3 (Y2O3:Yb,Er) NPs (UNP2s) were prepared by the coimmobilization of PEG- b-PAAc and streptavidin. The PEG/SA coimmobilized UNP2s (PEG/SA-UNP2s) specifically recognized biotinylated antibodies and emitted strong upconversion luminescence upon near-infrared excitation. The obtained PEG/streptavidin coimmobilized UNPs are promising as high-performance near-infrared biolabeling materials.

Large third-order optical nonlinear effects of gold nanoparticles with unusual fluorescence enhancement

The third-order nonlinear optical properties of two solutions of gold nanoparticles protected by carbazolyldiacetylene derivatives were investigated using the Z-scan technique. Both gold nanoparticle colloid solutions in toluene show unusual fluorescent enhancement and large third-order nonlinear optical properties including nonlinear absorption and refractive effects. When extending the pi-conjugated length of the ligands, the third-order nonlinear properties of composite materials based on gold nanoparticles were enhanced accordingly.

The use of gold nanoparticles in diagnostics and detection

The widespread use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as labels in diagnostics and detection is due to a unique combination of chemical and physical properties that allow biological molecules to be detected at low concentrations. In this critical review detection methods based on GNPs are divided up and discussed based on the way in which signals are generated in response to specific target molecules. Particular attention is devoted to methods that allow target molecules to be detected with the unaided eye because these, more than any other, harness the full range of properties that make GNPs unique. Methods that are discussed include those in which specific target molecules induce a visible colour change, chromatographic methods that allow non-specialized users to perform sophisticated tests without additional equipment and methods in which trace amounts of GNPs are rendered visible to the unaided eye by catalytic deposition of a metal such as silver. The use of metal deposition as a means of enhancing the signal for optical and electrical detection is also reviewed. The other detection methods included in this review are based on interactions between GNPs and molecules located in close proximity to their surface. These include methods in which light emission from such molecules is enhanced (surface enhanced Raman scattering) or quenched (fluorescence), and methods in which the accumulation of specific target molecules induce subtle changes in the extinction spectra of GNPs that can be followed in real time with inexpensive equipment (166 references).

Globotriose-functionalized gold nanoparticles as multivalent probes for Shiga-like toxin

Compared to monovalent carbohydrates, multivalent carbohydrate ligands exhibit significantly enhanced binding affinities to their interacting proteins. Here, we report globotriose (P(k) ligand)-functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes for the investigation of multivalent interactions with the B(5) subunit of Shiga-like toxin I (B-Slt). Six P(k)-ligand-encapsulated AuNPs (P(k)-AuNPs) of varying particle size and linker length were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as multivalent affinity probes by using a surface plasmon resonance competition assay. The affinity of these probes for the interacting proteins was greatly affected by nanoparticle size, linker length, and ligand density on nanoparticle surface. For example, the 20-nm 20-P(k)-l-AuNP, which had a relatively long linker showed a >10(8)-fold increase in affinity compared with the mono P(k) ligand. This intrinsic high-affinity AuNP probe specifically captured the recombinant B-Slt from Escherichia coli lysate, and the resulting purity of the B-Slt was >95 %. We also developed a robust P(k)-AuNP-based detection method for Slt-I by combining the technique with silver enhancement.

Synthesis of carbohydrate-conjugated nanoparticles and quantum dots

Nanoparticle-based probes are emerging as alternatives to molecular probes due to their various advantages, such as bright and tunable optical property, enhanced chemical and photochemical stability, and ease of introduction of multifunctionality. This work presents a simple and general approach for functionalizing various nanoparticle systems for use as glycobiological probes. Silica-coated nanoparticles of Ag, Fe3O4, and ZnS-CdSe were synthesized and functionalized with dextran. The resulting 10-40-nm-sized particles were robust, water-soluble, colloidally stable, and biochemically active.

Structure and activity assay of nanozymes prepared by the coimmobilization of practically useful enzymes and hydrophilic block copolymers on gold nanoparticles

Enzyme/polymer/gold nanoparticle hybrids, called "nanozymes", were prepared and structurally analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and zeta-potential and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, which showed that the nanozyme particles were mainly composed of a single gold nanoparticle, on whose surface the enzyme and polymer were coimmobilized. This kind of structure resulted in the high dispersion stability of the nanozyme under various conditions, accompanied by improved thermal stability of the enzyme.

Completely dispersible PEGylated gold nanoparticles under physiological conditions: modification of gold nanoparticles with precisely controlled PEG-b-polyamine

A novel water-soluble, biocompatible polymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly((2-N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PEG-b-PAMA), possessing controlled molecular weight with a narrow molecular weight distribution, was synthesized by the atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. PEG-b-PAMA having a short PAMA chain length was successfully synthesized under suitable polymerization conditions. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were modified using PEG-b-PAMA prepared under a variety of PEGylation conditions. Under alkaline conditions (pH >10) and an [N]/[GNP] ratio of more than 3300, the PEGylated GNPs (PEG-GNPs) showed complete dispersion stability, avoiding coagulation. The amino groups of the PAMA segment of the block copolymers were completely deprotonated above pH 10. This means that PEG-b-PAMA interacted with the GNP surface via multipoint coordination of the tertiary amino groups of PAMA, not electrostatically. The effect of the number of amino groups in the PAMA segment on GNP surface modifications was investigated by zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. When the PEG-GNPs were prepared in excess polymer solution, almost the same diameter was observed regardless of the PAMA chain length. After the PEG-GNPs were purified by centrifugation, the zeta potentials of all PEG-GNPs were shielded to almost 0 mV, indicating the effective modifications of the GNP surface by PEG-b-PAMA regardless of the chain length. However, the particle size and particle size distribution of the purified PEG-GNPs were strongly affected by the PAMA chain length. PEG-GNPs with longer PAMA segments underwent coagulation after purification, whereas PEG-GNPs with shorter PAMA segments increased their dispersion stability. The experimental results of the thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed that the PEG density on the GNP surface increased as the AMA units decreased to 3. Thus, the dispersion stability depended significantly on the PEG density on the GNP surface. GNPs modified with PEG-b-PAMA having short AMA units showed excellent dispersion stability under a variety of pH conditions. The excellent dispersion stability of the obtained PEG-GNP was also confirmed both in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution and 95% human serum.

Improvement of dispersion stability and characterization of upconversion nanophosphors covalently modified with PEG as a fluorescence bioimaging probe

Upconverting (UC) phosphors (UCPs) are ceramic materials doped with rare earth ions. These materials can absorb and upconvert infrared (IR) radiation to emit visible light by the stepwise excitation among discrete energy levels of the rare earth ions. UCPs are potentially useful reagents for use in bioimaging since the use of low energy photons avoids photo-toxicity. The use of UCP nanoparticles as bioimaging probes requires surface modifications in an effort to improve dispersion stability in aqueous milieu. In this study, we covalently attached poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to the surface of Er-doped Y₂O₃ nanoparticles and firstly demonstrated that PEG covalently bound to the Y₂O₃ surface markedly improved dispersion stability in water. UC emission of PEG-modified Er-Y₂O₃ nanoparticles excited with IR light was successfully observed. We also showed that PEG-modified Er-Y₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibit no cell-toxicity. These observations lend strong support to the potential use of PEG-modified UCP nanoparticles as bioimaging tools.

Preparation of biotinylated glyconanoparticles via a photochemical process and study of their bioconjugation to streptavidin

We report here the preparation of novel biotinylated glyconanoparticles from well-defined biotinylated glycopolymers and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) synthesized via the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization process. The in situ reduction of the biotinylated glycopolymers, PNIPAAm, poly(ethylene glycol), and HAuCl4 via a photochemical process resulted in the formation of biotinylated gold nanoparticles. The multifunctional biotinylated glyconanoparticles were then evaluated for their bioconjugation toward streptavidin using UV-vis spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The biotinylated nanoparticles underwent aggregation in the presence of streptavidin as revealed by spectrophotometry, which indicates the accessibility of the biotin for conjugation. These results were further confirmed by surface plasmon resonance even in the case of surface-immobilized streptavidin.

Optical sensing of biomedically important polyionic drugs using nano-sized gold particles

A simple optical method for the sensing of biomedically important polyionic drugs, protamine and heparin based on the reversible aggregation and de-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is described. The polycationic protamine induces the aggregation of negatively charged citrate-stabilized AuNPs, resulting in a shift in the surface plasmon (SP) band and a consequent color change of the AuNPs from red to blue. Addition of polyanionic heparin dissipates the aggregated AuNPs due to its strong affinity to protamine and the blue color changes to the native color. The color change was monitored using UV-vis spectrophotometry. The aggregation and de-aggregation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) measurements. The degree of aggregation and de-aggregation is proportional to the concentration of added protamine and heparin, allowing their quantitative detection. The change in the absorbance and SP band position has been used to monitor the concentration of protamine and heparin. This optical method can quantify protamine and heparin as low as 0.1 microg/ml and 0.6 microg/ml, respectively and the calibration is linear for a wide range of concentration.

Chemical sensing and imaging with metallic nanorods

In this Feature Article, we examine recent advances in chemical analyte detection and optical imaging applications using gold and silver nanoparticles, with a primary focus on our own work. Noble metal nanoparticles have exciting physical and chemical properties that are entirely different from the bulk. For chemical sensing and imaging, the optical properties of metallic nanoparticles provide a wide range of opportunities, all of which ultimately arise from the collective oscillations of conduction band electrons ("plasmons") in response to external electromagnetic radiation. Nanorods have multiple plasmon bands compared to nanospheres. We identify four optical sensing and imaging modalities for metallic nanoparticles: (1) aggregation-dependent shifts in plasmon frequency; (2) local refractive index-dependent shifts in plasmon frequency; (3) inelastic (surface-enhanced Raman) light scattering; and (4) elastic (Rayleigh) light scattering. The surface chemistry of the nanoparticles must be tunable to create chemical specificity, and is a key requirement for successful sensing and imaging platforms.

Novel arylhydrazone-conjugated gold nanoparticles with DNA-cleaving ability: the first DNA-nicking nanomaterial

Arylhydrazones were linked onto gold nanoparticles through the poly(ethylene glycol) spacer to produce a new type of photoinduced DNA-cleaving nanomaterials with great potency.

Blue-to-red chromatic sensor composed of gold nanoparticles conjugated with thermoresponsive copolymer for Thiol sensing

We describe the first determination of thiol compounds with gold nanocomposites composed of gold nanoparticles and thermoresponsive copolymers having polyamino groups. The gold nanocomposites, which are used as a chromatic sensor, reveal chromatic change from blue to red with thermal stimuli, heating followed by cooling the solution. The blue-to-red chromatic change results from disassembly of the gold nanocomposites, which arises from shrinkage of the thermoresponsive copolymers bound to the gold nanoparticle surfaces due to the phase transition induced by thermal stimuli. The disassembly is inhibited by addition of thiol compounds through displacement of the adhered thermoresponsive copolymers. The detached copolymers no longer influence morphological change of the gold nanocomposites. Corresponding with increase of concentration of the thiol compounds, a solution of the gold nanocomposites after the thermal stimuli shows chromatic change, which was quantified with the a* value in L*a*b* chromatic coordinates. A linear relationship between the a* value and concentration of cysteine, examined as a bio-important thiol, is obtained below 7x10(-6) mol dm(-3), estimating a detection limit defined as 3sigma of the blank to be 2.8x10(-7) mol dm(-3). The chromatic sensor of the gold nanocomposites is applied to the determination of cysteine in commercial supplements containing ascorbic acid, which seriously interferes with redox-based determination of cysteine. Analytical results obtained with the chromatic sensor are identical to those obtained with HPLC.

Surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles using hetero-bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) spacer for intracellular tracking and delivery

For the development of surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles as cellular probes and delivery agents, we have synthesized hetero-bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, MW 1500) having a thiol group on one terminus and a reactive functional group on the other for use as a flexible spacer. Coumarin, a model fluorescent dye, was conjugated to one end of the PEG spacer and gold nanoparticles were modified with coumarin-PEG-thiol. Surface attachment of coumarin through the PEG spacer decreased the fluorescence quenching effect of gold nanoparticles. The results of cellular cytotoxicity and fluorescence confocal analyses showed that the PEG spacer-modified nanoparticles were essentially non-toxic and could be efficiently internalized in the cells within 1 hour of incubation. Intracellular particle tracking using a Keck 3-D Fusion Microscope System showed that the functionalized gold nanoparticles were rapidly internalized in the cells and localized in the peri-nuclear region. Using the PEG spacer, the gold nano-platform can be conjugated with a variety of biologically relevant ligands such as fluorescent dyes, antibodies, etc in order to target, probe, and induce a stimulus at the target site.

Au nanoparticles prepared by physical method on Si and sapphire substrates for biosensor applications

Gold nanoparticles heavily functionalized with oligonucleotides have been used in a variety of DNA detection methods. The optical properties of three-dimensional aggregates of Au nanoparticles in solution or deposited onto suitable surfaces have been analyzed to detect hybridization processes of specific DNA sequences as possible alternatives to fluorescent labeling methods. This paper reports on the preparation of gold nanoparticles directly deposited onto the surface of silicon (Si) and sapphire (Al2O3) substrates by a physical methodology, consisting in the thermal evaporation of a thin Au film and its successive annealing. The method guarantees the preparation of monodispersed single-crystal Au nanoparticles with a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak centered at about 540 nm. We show that the changes of SPR excitation before and after DNA functionalization and subsequent hybridization of Au nanoparticles immobilized onto Si and Al2O3 substrates can be exploited to fabricate specific biosensors devices in solid phase.

Colloidal Au replacement assay for highly sensitive quantification of low molecular weight analytes by surface plasmon resonance

A novel sensing method based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was developed for the highly sensitive quantification of low molecular weight (LMW) analytes (colloidal Au replacement assay). Gold nanoparticles (diameter = 20 nm) functionalized with lactosyl-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared and were specifically adsorbed onto a Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120)-immobilized SPR sensor chip surface. Subsequent injection of free d-galactose elicited the elution of the preadsorbed lactosyl-PEGylated gold nanoparticles in a manner proportional to the galactose concentration, achieving a substantial and quantitative analysis over a wide range of galactose concentrations (0.1-50 ppm). This method of d-galactose sensing through the substituted elution of preadsorbed nanoparticles from the sensor chip surface would be applicable for the highly sensitive SPR quantification of various LMW analytes, which are known to be difficult to detect by the conventional SPR sensing regime.

Unusual fluorescence enhancement of a novel carbazolyldiacetylene bound to gold nanoparticles

A novel carbazolyldiacetylene derivative of 5-[1,2]dithiolan-3-ylpentanoic acid 1,6-bis((N-carbazol-3-yl)methyl)-2,4-hexadiyne ester (DCHD-HS) was synthesized. DCHD-HS showed unusual fluorescence enhancement when it was bound to gold nanoparticles. The studies also showed that varied solvents and ratios of ligand/gold particles that served as the driving forces to control aggregation resulted in emission enhancement. A rational explanation for this phenomenon was discussed and elucidated.

Binding of lectins to DNA micro-assemblies: Modification of nucleo-cages with lactose-conjugated psoralen

Spherical DNA micro-assemblies appended with lactose units (Lactose-nucleo-cages, Lac-NC) are newly developed. DNA spherical assemblies self-assembled from suitably designed three oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) 1-3 were cross-linked by lactose-conjugated psoralen derivative 4. Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (CLSM) observation of Lac-NC shows that rhodamine labeled peanut lectin (Rho-PNA: a galactose-specific lectin) binds to lactose-modified nucleo-cages with higher affinity compared to that of unmodified nucleo-cages. Binding isotherm experiments indicated that the apparent affinity constant of Rho-PNA to Lac-NC was in the order of 10(5) M(-1).

Aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles for turn-on light switch detection of platelet-derived growth factor

An aptamer modified gold nanoparticles (Apt-AuNPs) based molecular light switching sensor has been demonstrated for the analysis of breast cancer markers (platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors) in homogeneous solutions. The PDGF binding aptamer has a unique structure with triple-helix conformation that allows N,N-dimethyl-2,7-diazapyrenium dication (DMDAP) and PDGF bindings. The fluorescence of DMDAP is almost completely quenched by Apt-AuNPs when it intercalates with the aptamers. Owing to high magnitudes of increases (up to 40-fold) in the turn-on fluorescence signals of DMDAP/Apt-AuNP upon PDGFs binding, the approach is highly sensitive for the detection of PDGFs. The DMDAP/Apt-AuNP probe specifically and sensitively detected PDGFs under optimal concentrations of salts and DMDAP. We also demonstrated that the Apt-AuNPs are effective selectors for enrichment of PDGF-AA from large-volume samples. The approach allows detection of PDGF-AA at a concentration down to 8 pM, showing better sensitivity than other signal aptamers. By conducting a competitive assay, we demonstrated the determination of PDGF receptor-alpha with LOD of 0.25 nM when using the DMDAP/Apt-AuNP as a probe.

Reversible Assembly and Disassembly of Gold Nanoparticles Directed by a Zwitterionic Polymer

Herein, we have successfully introduced the stimuli-response concept into the controllable synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with designed properties. We used a pH-responsive zwitterionic polymer that acted as a template and a stabilizer. Gold colloids prepared in situ from the polymer solution have a narrow size distribution of about 5 nm. The assembly and disassembly of AuNPs can be finely tuned by modulating the net charges of the zwitterionic polymer so that they are either positive or negative as a function of the solution pH. Different aggregates and colors appear on altering the solution pH. In acidic solutions, gold colloids form large symmetrical aggregates, while the AuNPs disperse in solutions with a pH approximately 9.6. However, as the solution pH increases (>9.6), needle-like aggregates with a small interparticle distances are formed. On the basis of TEM, SEM, 1H NMR and UV/Vis measurements, we attribute pH-triggered aggregation and color changes of the gold colloids to the ionization process and conformational change of the polymer. The ionization process governs the choice of ligand anchored on the surface of AuNPs, and the conformational change of the polymer modulates the interspaces between AuNPs. The present approach, which is based on a rational design of the physicochemical properties of the template used in the synthesis process, provides a powerful means to control the properties of the nanomaterial. Furthermore, the colorimetric readout can be visualized and applied to future studies on nanoscale switches and sensors.

Enhanced immunoresponse of antibody/mixed-PEG co-immobilized surface construction of high-performance immunomagnetic ELISA system

Poly(ethylene glycol) possessing pentaethylenehexamine at one end (N6-PEG) was prepared via a reductive amination reaction of aldehyde-ended PEG with pentaethylenehexamine. Using N6-PEG, an antibody/PEG co-immobilized surface was constructed on magnetic particles via an active ester reaction method. After immobilization of the antibody on the active ester surface, N6-PEG was reacted on the magnetic beads. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system was newly constructed using PEG/antibody co-immobilized magnetic beads combined with an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-assisted fluorescent detection system using alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a model antigen. The co-immobilization of both antibody and PEG on the magnetic bead surfaces reduced the nonspecific adsorption of proteins from cell lysates. Especially, when the magnetic particle surface was modified by N6-PEG mixtures with different molecular weights of 6000 and 2500 (6 kDa:2.5 kDa=9:1 w/w), the nonspecific adsorption of proteins was strongly suppressed. It is rather surprising for us that the sensitivity of the antibody on the surface was enhanced significantly when the PEG tethered chain was constructed in between the surface antibodies. Consequently, the mixed N6-PEG treatment showed a much higher S/N ratio than for the corresponding beads treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), a conventional blocking reagent. Actually, when alpha-fetoprotein was analyzed by the magnetic bead-assisted ELISA thus constructed, the S/N ratio was about 20-fold higher for the mixed coating with PEG (6 kDa):PEG (2.5 kDa)=9:1, compared to the conventional BSA.

Gold-labeled block copolymer micelles reveal gold aggregates at multiple subcellular sites

There is increasing interest in the usefulness of block copolymer micelles as drug delivery vehicles. However, their subcellular distribution has not been explored extensively, mostly because of the lack of adequately labeled block copolymers. In a previous study, we showed that fluorescently labeled block copolymer micelles entered living cells and co-localized with cytoplasmic organelles selectively labeled with fluorescent dyes. The details of the observed co-localizations were, however, limited by the resolution of the fluorescence approach, which is ca. 500 nm. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we established time- and concentration-dependent subcellular distributions of gold-labeled micelles within human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells and human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. Gold particles were incorporated into poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P4VP21-b-PEO45) micelles. Data from dynamic light scattering (DLS) and TEM analyses revealed that the sizes of the gold particles ranged from 4 to 8 nm. The cells survived up to 24 h in the presence of low gold-labeled micelle concentrations (0.73 microg/mL), but cell death occurred at higher concentrations (i.e., kidney cells are more susceptible than lung cells). Over 24 h periods of equivalent exposure, lung cells internalized significantly more gold-incorporated micelles than kidney cells. Although micelles were added to the cell culture media as dispersed colloidal particles, the presence of serum in these media caused aggregation. These aggregates occurred mainly close to the cell plasma membrane at early times (5-10 min); however, at later times (24 h) aggregated particles were seen inside endosomes and lysozomes. Thus, gold-incorporated (labeled) micelles can serve as a valuable extension of the fluorescence approach to visualizing the localization of micelles in subcellular compartments, improving the resolution by at least 20-fold.

Facile preparation of glyconanoparticles and their bioconjugation to streptavidin

Well-defined glycopolymers containing linear and cyclic carbohydrate moieties as pendent groups were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The RAFT synthesized glycopolymers were used for the aqueous synthesis of stabilized glyconanoparticles. The in situ reduction of the glycopolymers and HAuCl4 resulted in the formation of highly stable modified gold nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 40 to 80 nm in aqueous media. Multifunctional glyconanoparticles were also generated in the presence of varying amounts of biotinylated-polyethyleneglycol (bio-PEG-SH) having terminal thiol groups. The gold nanoparticles underwent aggregation in the presence of streptavidin as revealed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The availability of the biotin for conjugation to streptavidin was also confirmed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Glyconanoparticles for the colorimetric detection of cholera toxin

Cholera continues to represent a major threat to human health, particularly in developing countries. Death can be readily avoided when medical treatment is rapidly administered. In order to provide a means of detecting the bacterially secreted toxin, we have developed a simple, yet rapid, bioassay for the cholera toxin. The colorimetric bioassay is based on a specifically synthesized lactose derivative that is self-assembled onto gold nanoparticles of 16 nm diameter. In solution the lactose-stabilized nanoparticles are red in color due to the intense surface plasmon absorption band centered at 524 nm. Cholera toxin (added as the B-subunit) (CTB) binds to the lactose derivative and induces aggregation of the nanoparticles. Upon aggregation, the surface plasmon absorption band broadens and red shifts such that the nanoparticle solution appears a deep purple color. The selectivity of the bioassay stems from the thiolated lactose derivative that mimics the GM(1) ganglioside--the receptor to which cholera toxin binds in the small intestine. Consequently, added metal ions, anions, and a protein, at relevant concentrations, do not induce nonspecific aggregation of the nanoparticles. The simple color change of the bioassay provides a selective means to detect and quantify the cholera toxin within 10 min. The theoretical limit of detection of the bioassay was determined to be 54 nM (3 microg/mL) for CTB. The stability of the lactose-stabilized nanoparticles was established by freeze-drying and then resuspending the particles in water and subsequently measuring CTB in biologically relevant electrolyte solutions. This colorimetric bioassay provides a new tool for the direct measurement of cholera toxin.

Signal enhancement of surface plasmon resonance immunoassay using enzyme precipitation-functionalized gold nanoparticles: A femto molar level measurement of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody

Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and precipitation of an insoluble product formed by HRP-biocatalyzed oxidation of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) in the presence of H2O2 were used to enhance the signal obtained from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. The AuNPs were synthesized and functionalized with HS-OEG3-COOH by self assembling technique. Thereafter, the HS-OEG3-COOH functionalized nanoparticles were covalently conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and anti IgG antibody to form an enzyme-immunogold complex. Characterizations were performed by several methods: UV-vis absorption, DLS, HR-TEM and FT-IR. The Au-anti IgG-HRP complex has been applied in enhancement of SPR immunoassay using a sensor chip constructed by 1:9 molar ratio of HS-OEG6-COOH and HS-OEG3-OH for detection of anti-GAD antibody. As a result, AuNPs showed their enhancement as being consistent with other previous studies while the enzyme precipitation using DAB substrate was applied for the first time and greatly amplified the SPR detection. The limit of detection was found as low as 0.03 ng/ml of anti-GAD antibody (or 200 fM) which is much higher than that of previous reports. This study indicates another way to enhance SPR measurement, and it is generally applicable to other SPR-based immunoassays.