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Sensors and assays readout methods for potential biomarker/drugs using near-infrared electrochemiluminescence from atomic-precision metal (gold) nanoclusters (GSU 2019-16)
About
Introduction: In drug/biomarker development, easily accessible and easy-to-use tools at low cost and fast turnaround time are essential. To date, many drugs and (potential) biomarkers do not have sensors or assays for fast detection. The reliance on centralized instrumentation limits decision making, restricts treatment planning/adjustment, and increases cost. Therefore, an alternate efficient signal readout method is yet to be explored. Research on developing new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reagents for physical and analytical studies on establishing better reaction pathways and analysis strategies has attracted significant interest due to its active control and localized signal generation. Visible ECL is used commercially for bioanalysis. However, existing techniques still depend on antibody/enzyme for recognition/specificity, require multiple steps for analysis, can detect a limited array of drugs/biomarkers. At comparable materials cost, the near infrared (near-IR) ECL is a better and largely unexplored pathway compared to visible photons when analyzing real life samples. In addition, ECL generation involves a series of complex reactions. Therefore, currently, there is an unmet need to develop ECL sensors and assays with high signal output and high signal noise ratio a rapid, simple manner. Technology: Georgia State University researchers have invented a method to make and use electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors with high signal/noise ratio for potential biomarker/drug development. ECL of atomic-precision metal nanoclusters is used to develop this new tool for one-step label-free detection or signal readout in decentralized settings, with fast turn-around time and low-cost quantitation. It could be applied to directly detect some compounds for which antibody/enzymes are not available yet, to complement existing immunoassays to improve accuracy in the quantitation, and as readout systems for assay/sensor development, biomarker/drug development/screening etc. Its combined dual-modal signal readout using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) in near-IR range and electrical current, can potentially reduce interference concerns in biological samples. This effective sensing method using ECL from metal nanoclusters is rapid, simple, and/or allows for sensitive and specific detection of analytes of interest at a low cost.
Key Benefits
Can be used as a fully-integrated device like immunoassays, glucose test strip, pregnancy test kits, etc. A much more versatile detection platform as it provides an active control and localized signal generation at the electrode-solution interface for analysis of aqueous samples. Simple detection instrument (just a camera and electrode/circuit) with low noise/interference because of the use of near-IR spectral range and elimination of the light source. An analysis tool that can help establish personalized profiles for developing future personalized medicine.