Biomolecular detection, tracking, and manipulation using a magnetic nanoparticle-quantum dot platform

J Mater Chem B. 2020 Apr 29;8(16):3534-3541. doi: 10.1039/c9tb02481f.

Abstract

Fluorescent and magnetic materials play a significant role in biosensor technology, enabling sensitive quantification and separations with applications in diagnostics, purification, quality control, and therapeutics. Here, we present a magneto-fluorescent biosensor/separations platform consisting of quantum dots (QDs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) that are separately encapsulated in amphiphilic block co-polymer micelles conjugated to DNA or protein (i.e., single-stranded (ss) DNA derived from the mRNA of the tumor suppressor protein p53 or avidin protein). Analytes were detected via an aggregation sandwich assay upon binding of at least 1 QD and 1 SPION-containing micelle to result in a fluorescent/magnetic composite. Multiplexed isolation of protein and DNA biomolecules was demonstrated by using QDs of varying emission wavelength; QD fluorescence intensity could be correlated with analyte concentration. Sequential or parallel biomolecule separation was achieved by adding appropriately functionalized SPION-containing micelles and applying user-controlled magnetic fields via patterned magnetic disks and wires. QD fluorescence was used to continuously visualize analyte separation during this process. This QD/SPION platform is simple to use, demonstrates ∼10-16 M sensitivity in analyte detection (comparable to competing QD biosensors based on energy transfer) with specificity against 1 and 2 basepair mismatches in DNA detection, molecular separations capability in solutions of ∼10-10 M, and permits simultaneous or parallel, multiplexed separation of protein and DNA. Thus, this versatile platform enables self-assembly-based rapid, sensitive, and specific detection and separation of biomolecules, simultaneously and with real-time visualization. This technology demonstrates potential for nanoscale assembly, biosensing, and bioseparations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Avidin / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis*
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Optical Imaging
  • Particle Size
  • Quantum Dots / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Avidin
  • ferric oxide