Novel immunoassay technique for rapid measurement of intracellular proteins using paramagnetic particles

Modelling a dynamic magneto-agglutination bioassay

The process of developing an end-to-end model of a magneto-immunoassay is described, simulating the agglutination effect due to the specific binding of bacteria to paramagnetic particles. After establishing the properties of the dose-specific agglutination through direct imaging, a microfluidic assay was used to demonstrate changes in the magnetophoretic transport dynamics of agglutinated clusters via transient inductive magentometer measurements. End-to-end mathematical modelling is used to establish the physical processes underlying the assay. First, a modified form of Becker-Döring nucleation kinetic equations is used to establish a relationship between analyte dose and average cluster size. Next, Stokes flow equations are used to establish a relationship between cluster size and speed of motion within the fluid chamber. This predicts a cluster-size dynamic profile of concentration of PMPs versus time when the magnetic field is switched between the two actuated magnets. Finally, inductive modelling is carried out to predict the response of the magnetometer circuit in response to the dynamics of magnetic clusters. The predictions of this model are shown to agree well with the results of experiments, and to predict the shape of the dose-response curve.

Bioconjugation and stabilisation of biomolecules in biosensors

Suitable bioconjugation strategies and stabilisation of biomolecules on electrodes is essential for the development of novel and commercially viable biosensors. In the present review, the functional groups that comprise the selectable targets for practical bioconjugation methods are discussed. We focus on describing the most common immobilisation techniques used in biosensor construction, which are classified into irreversible and reversible methods. Concerning the stability of proteins, the two main types of stability may be defined as (i) storage or shelf stability, and (ii) operational stability. Both types of stability are explained, as well as the introduction of an electrophoretic technique for predicting protein–polymer interactions. In addition, solution and dry stabilisation as well as stabilisation using the covalent immobilisation of proteins are discussed including possible factors that influence stability. Finally, the integration of nanomaterials, such as magnetic particles, with protein immobilisation is discussed in relation to protein stability studies.

Recent advances and current issues in single-cell sequencing of tumors

Intratumoral heterogeneity is a recently recognized but important feature of cancer that underlies the various biocharacteristics of cancer tissues. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated large scale capture of genomic data, while the recent development of single-cell sequencing has allowed for more in-depth studies into the complex molecular mechanisms of intratumoral heterogeneity. In this review, the recent advances and current challenges in single-cell sequencing methodologies are discussed, highlighting the potential power of these data to provide insights into oncological processes, from tumorigenesis through progression to metastasis and therapy resistance.

Enzyme-free and label-free fluorescence aptasensing strategy for highly sensitive detection of protein based on target-triggered hybridization chain reaction amplification

Proteins are of great importance in medical and biological fields. In this paper, a novel fluorescent aptasensing strategy for protein assay has been developed based on target-triggered hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and graphene oxide (GO)-based selective fluorescence quenching. Three DNA probes, a helper DNA probe (HP), hairpin probe 1 (H1) and hairpin probe 2 (H2) are ingeniously designed. In the presence of the target, the aptamer sequences in HP recognize the target to form a target-aptamer complex, which causes the HP conformation change, and then triggers the chain-like assembly of H1 and H2 through the hybridization chain reaction, generating a long chain of HP leading complex of H1 and H2. At last the fluorescence indicator SYBR Green I (SG) binds with the long double strands of the HCR product through both intercalation and minor groove binding. When GO was added into the solutions after HCR, the free H1, H2 and SG would be closely adsorbed onto GO surface via π-π stacking. However, the HCR product cannot be adsorbed on GO surface, thereby the SG bound to HCR product gives a strong fluorescence signal dependent on the concentration of the target. With the use of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) as the model analyte, this newly designed protocol provides a highly sensitive fluorescence detection of PDGF-BB with a limit of detection down to 1.25 pM, and also exhibit good selectivity and applicability in complex matrixes. Therefore, the proposed aptasensing strategy based on target-triggered hybridization chain reaction amplification should have wide applications in the diagnosis of genetic diseases due to its simplicity, low cost, and high sensitivity at extremely low target concentrations.

An inexpensive, fast and sensitive quantitative lateral flow magneto-immunoassay for total prostate specific antigen

We describe the detection characteristics of a device the Resonant Coil Magnetometer (RCM) to quantify paramagnetic particles (PMPs) in immunochromatographic (lateral flow) assays. Lateral flow assays were developed using PMPs for the measurement of total prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum samples. A detection limit of 0.8 ng/mL was achieved for total PSA using the RCM and is at clinically significant concentrations. Comparison of data obtained in a pilot study from the analysis of serum samples with commercially available immunoassays shows good agreement. The development of a quantitative magneto-immunoassay in lateral flow format for total PSA suggests the potential of the RCM to operate with many immunoassay formats. The RCM has the potential to be modified to quantify multiple analytes in this format. This research shows promise for the development of an inexpensive device capable of quantifying multiple analytes at the point-of-care using a magneto-immunoassay in lateral flow format.