Peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are extensively utilized in colorimetric assays for rapid and sensitive detection of various biomedical and environmental targets. Although extensively used as colorimetric reporting systems, the role of the size and concentration of the AuNPs has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, a 12-mer cardiac troponin I (cTnI)-specific peptide CALNN-Peg4-FYS­HSF­HEN­WPS was immobilized on AuNPs of different size and concentration via the CALNN anchoring sequence. A relationship was established between the total surface area of the AuNPs (binding availability) and response (centroid shift). Moreover, a colorimetric assay for cTnI operating under optimized conditions (36 nm AuNPs) yielded a limit of detection of 0.2 ng/mL (8.4 pM) when tested in diluted serum samples with an assay time of 10 min. This encouraging result opens up for further development of AuNP assays in early diagnosis of cardiac injury.

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Bisphosphonates are the first-line pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis due to their efficacy and low rate of self-limited adverse effects. Challenges in adherence to oral treatment has spurred the development of third-generation bisphosphonates that only require single annual infusion due to high potency and binding efficacy. The authors report the case of a woman in her 70s who presented with postoperative shoulder pain after zoledronic acid infusion. Diagnostic work-up revealed stable prosthesis with no signs of fracture, loosening or infection. Administration of oral steroids resulted in resolution of pain and return to baseline function. Acute postoperative joint pain attributed to bisphosphonate infusion has not been previously described in the literature. This case report and literature review suggests consideration of adverse inflammatory reaction due to bisphosphonate infusion in the setting of a patient presenting with joint replacement and acute exacerbation of pain without clear aetiology.