Neutral DNA-avidin nanoparticles as ultrasensitive reporters in immuno-PCR

Analyst. 2020 Jul 21;145(14):4942-4949. doi: 10.1039/d0an00134a. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Abstract

We have developed an immuno-PCR based diagnostic platform which couples detection antibodies to self-assembled, ultra-detectable DNA-avidin nanoparticles stabilized with poly(ethylene glycol) to link DNA amplification to target protein concentration. Electrostatic neutralization and cloaking of the PCR-amplifiable DNA labels by avidin and PEG coating reduces non-specific "stickiness" and enhances assay sensitivity. We further optimized the detectability of the nanoparticles by incorporating four repeats of a unique synthetic DNA PCR target into each nanoparticle. Using human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) as a model analyte, this platform was able to quantitate the target hCG protein in femtomolar concentrations using only standard laboratory equipment.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies
  • Avidin*
  • DNA / genetics
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Avidin
  • DNA