Detection of cancer biomarkers using immunoassays with upconversion nanoparticles and magnetic preconcentration
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| Year of publication | 2022 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Prostate cancer is the major cause of death in the male population caused by oncologic diseases. Consequently, sensitive detection of disease biomarkers, e.g., prostate-specific antigen (PSA), is essential for early-stage diagnosis and effective treatment. In clinical analysis, immunochemical methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are widely used. However, conventional ELISA is often not sensitive enough for early-stage diagnosis, resulting in the need for alternative approaches. Photon-upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are unique for their anti-Stokes luminescence, because NIR excitation results in the emission of UV/vis light without optical background interference due to autofluorescence. Furthermore, the surface of UCNPs can be modified with a variety of biomolecules such as streptavidin or antibodies. These labels can be used in various immunoassay formats such as the upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay (ULISA). However, to improve the sensitivity even further, it is necessary to search for new methods. Magnetic microparticles (beads) are a promising alternative for microtiter plate-based immunoassays. Their superparamagnetic properties allow for analyte preconcentration, thus improving the assay sensitivity. We have developed an upconversion-based sandwich immunoassay using magnetic preconcentration for the detection of PSA. Our recent results have reached a limit of detection in the order of 1 pg/mL, which is approximately 20-fold better compared to an ELISA using the same immunoreagents. The higher sensitivity demonstrates the potential of using magnetic microparticles combined with UCNPs for the immunochemical detection of cancer biomarkers. |
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