One nanoprobe, two pathogens: gold nanoprobes multiplexing for point-of-care

Abstract

BackgroundGold nanoparticles have been widely employed for biosensing purposes with remarkable efficacy for DNA detection. Amongst the proposed systems, colorimetric strategies based on the remarkable optical properties have provided for simple yet effective sequence discrimination with potential for molecular diagnostics at point of need. These systems may also been used for parallel detection of several targets to provide additional information on diagnostics of pathogens.ResultsFor the first time, we demonstrate that a single Au-nanoprobe may provide for detection of two distinct targets (pathogens) allowing colorimetric multi-target detection. We demonstrate this concept by using one single gold-nanoprobe capable to detect members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Plasmodium sp., the etiologic agents of tuberculosis and malaria, respectively. Following characterisation, the developed gold-nanoprobe allowed detection of either target in individual samples or in samples containing both DNA species with the same efficacy.ConclusionsUsing one single probe via the non-cross-linking colorimetric methodology it is possible to identify multiple targets in one sample in one reaction. This proof-of-concept approach may easily be integrated into sensing platforms allowing for fast and simple multiplexing of Au-nanoprobe based detection at point-of-need.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-015-0109-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Allele specific LAMP- gold nanoparticle for characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms

“…Because the allele discrimination for the −13910C/T (dbSNP rs#: 4988235) is obtained by the AS-LAMP specificity, the Au-nanoprobe will only be positive if the correct fragment has been amplified since it will hybridize to the specific LAMP amplicon. The Au-nanoprobe is sequence specific, adding redundancy to the detection approach, increasing the specificity without additional equipment requirements [23] . This way, any unspecific amplification that might occur will not be score positive by the Au-nanoprobe detection.…”

Applicability of Metal Nanoparticles in the Detection and Monitoring of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

“…For example, AuNPs have been combined with inkjet-printed, dye-sensitised TiO 2 photodetectors as a means of detection to generate colorimetric biosensors with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 nm DNA [ 27 ]. Recently, this method was further enhanced to simultaneously detect two different pathogens in one reaction [ 28 ]. Duan et al recently employed immobilised HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens, staphylococcal protein A (SPA)-labelled AuNPs and a silver staining step to increase the optical signal to simultaneously detect antibodies to HBV and HCV antigens [ 29 ].…”

Improving diagnosis of pneumococcal disease by multiparameter testing and micro/nanotechnologies

“…Veigas et al (62) showed for the first time that by functionalizing a single Au-nanoprobe with multiple sequences, in the presence or absence of two pathogens could be determined in a single test. The selected targets were the conserved region of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis rpoB gene and Plasmodium 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA).…”