Plasmonic Multiplexed Biosensing for Protein and Nucleic Acid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simultaneous detection of nucleic acids and proteins are costly, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to separate assays and additional steps like nucleic acid extraction and amplification, lacking sensitivity and specificity, especially for low-level analytes in complex biological matrices.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed biodetection system using a substrate functionalized with streptavidin to anchor nanoparticles with distinct plasmonic properties for simultaneous detection of peptidic and nucleic acid analytes, employing different capture elements and nanoparticles to differentiate and quantify targets through plasmonic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate assays (ELISA and PCR) are used for detecting proteins and nucleic acids, then detection capability for each analyte type is achieved, but detection time, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines protein detection (via antibody-nanoparticle complexes) and nucleic acid detection (via PNA-nanoparticle complexes) into a single multiplexed assay performed simultaneously on the same substrate. This merging of separate detection methodologies into one unified system enables concurrent detection of multiple analyte types, thereby reducing total detection time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a universal detection platform where different types of nanoparticles (gold, silver, semiconductor) with distinct plasmonic properties serve as universal reporters for both protein and nucleic acid detection. The streptavidin-functionalized substrate provides a universal anchoring mechanism for various biotinylated capture elements, enabling multi-functional detection capability within a single system.
2Measurement precision
If nucleic acid extraction and amplification steps are performed, then detection sensitivity is improved, but risk of contamination and sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention takes out the problematic extraction and amplification steps from the detection workflow. By using whole-cell lysates or crude extracts directly in the assay without requiring pure nucleic acid isolation, the method eliminates the contamination-prone extraction and amplification processes while maintaining sufficient detection sensitivity through the highly sensitive plasmonic nanoparticle detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of amplifying nucleic acids through PCR, the invention uses plasmonic nanoparticles as signal amplifiers. Each nanoparticle carries multiple detection elements and produces a amplified optical signal through localized surface plasmon resonance, providing signal amplification without the need for biological amplification steps that risk contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate assays are performed for different analytes, then comprehensive detection is achieved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection system into modular components: different capture elements (antibodies, PNAs) can be independently selected and combined, different nanoparticle types can be mixed in various ratios, and different analyte targets can be detected simultaneously. This modular segmentation allows flexible assembly of assay combinations without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses nanoparticles with distinct plasmonic properties that produce different optical signals (color changes, scattering patterns, resonance frequencies) for different analytes. This optical encoding allows multiple analytes to be detected simultaneously in a single assay without requiring separate detection channels, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves ultra-high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for rapid, efficient detection and quantification of multiple analytes with minimal sample volume, reducing contamination risks and costs, and providing a comprehensive disease status assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a detection element having bound thereto a nanoparticle with plasmonic properties which is capable of specifically binding to the target analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multiplexed biodetection system arranged for simultaneously detecting from a liquid sample at least a target analyte of peptidic or proteic nature and at least a target analyte of nucleic acid nature such as a DNA or RNA molecule. The system comprises two basic elements, a substrate with a surface functionalized with streptavidin to anchor at least two different arrangement of elements having bound thereto a nanoparticle each of which has different plasmonic properties. Each of these at least two arrangement of elements allows to simultaneously detect at least a target analyte of peptidic or proteic nature and at least a target analyte of nucleic acid nature due to the different the plasmonic effect produced by each of the different nanoparticles used. The invention also refers to a multiplexed biodetection and to a biosensing platform based on the biodetection system of the invention.