<p>Improvements
in bioanalytical technologies are driven by evolving threats and challenges to
the global community. These challenges include emerging diseases, the need for
substance screening and increasing environmental pollution. Here, we present a
new bioanalytical concept that employs nanosized Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)
particles as labels for antibody-based analytical methods, including
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA).
A strategy for covalently linking antibodies to form stable, colloidal Zeolitic
Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) conjugates is described. The proof of principle
for their use in LFIA is presented. In particular, ZIF-antibody conjugates
displayed excellent behaviour in dispersion and good mobility via lateral flow
on a solid substrate while retaining full selectivity of the antibody.
Moreover, protein aggregation of the antibodies was prevented, suggesting
protection against degradation in an exoskeleton-like manner. Our study could
inspire future work to address global bioanalytical and diagnostic challenges.</p>