Universal Biotin–PEG-Linked Gold Nanoparticle Probes for the Simultaneous Detection of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Abstract

Novel biotin—polyethylene glycol (biotin—PEG) gold nanoparticle probes have been synthesized and used as universal constructs for the detection of protein (prostate-specific antigen, PSA) and nucleic acid targets (microRNAs) from a single sample. Microarray assays based upon these probes enabled sensitive detection of biomarker targets (50 fM for nucleic acid targets and 1 pg/μL for the PSA target). Ways of detecting biomarkers, including nucleic acids and proteins, are necessary for the clinical diagnosis of many diseases, but currently available diagnostic platforms rely primarily on the independent detection of proteins or nucleic acids. In addition to the economic benefits associated with the use of a single platform to detect both classes of analytes, studies have shown that the simultaneous identification of multiple classes of biomarkers in the same sample could be useful for the detection and management of early stage diseases, especially when sample amounts are limited. Therefore, these new probes and the assays based upon them open the door for high-sensitivity combination-target assays for studying and tracking biological pathways and diseases.

Quantitative and Specific Detection of Exosomal miRNAs for Accurate Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Using a Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensor Based on Plasmonic Head‐Flocked Gold Nanopillars

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as critical regulators of multiple biological processes in cancer, breast cancer in particular, including tumorigenesis, tumor progression, stress response, and drug resistance . Since miRNA discovery, increasing evidence has indicated their essential roles in tumor progression and metastasis; therefore, miRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment efficacy . Thus, it was shown that miRNA expression patterns correlate with breast cancer subtype and the hormone receptor status …”

Quantum Dot-PNA Conjugates for Target-Catalyzed RNA Detection

“…A very interesting microarray assay that uses gold nanoparticle probes for the simultaneous detection of RNA and proteins was recently reported by the Mirkin group. [142] The strategy involved the capture of biotinylated RNA on the microarray slide, followed by the labeling with gold nanoparticles. The read-out was accomplished by using the light scattering of the conjugated gold nanoparticles.…”

<p>A Review on the Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery Vehicle</p>

“…Studies have been reported for the synthesis of AuNPs functionalized with lectin, lactose, and biotin along-with PEG. [197][198][199] Such functionalized AuNPs cannot only be used for cellular internalization but for intracellular internalization as well. PEGlyated gold nanoparticles can also be conjugated with thiol having florescent dye coumarin attached on one side.…”