Aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles for rapid aggregation-based detection of inflammation: an optical assay for interleukin-6.

ABSTRACT: A proof-of-concept aptamer-based optical assay is described for the determination of the immuno signalling molecule interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key marker of acute inflammation. The optical assay is based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) coated in two complimentary "sandwich-style" aptamers, each with different IL-6 target moieties. IL-6 will recognise the complimentary aptamer pair and bind to it, thereby causing the aggregation of the corresponding functionalised nanoparticles. The aggregation of the AuNPs after exposure to IL-6 induces a visible colour change from red to pink, with a corresponding change in the absorption maximum from 520 to 540 nm. The change in the absorption maximum can be monitored visually, or by using a spectrophotometer or a plate reader. The optimal s

SUBMITTER: Giorgi-Coll S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6892788 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature