Title: Development of a nanoparticle microfluidic colour device for point-of-care diagnostics

Authors: Saied Assadollahi; Roland Palkovits; Peter Pointl; Thomas Schalkhammer

Addresses: Nano Department, Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH, Viktor Kaplan Strasse 2 A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria. ' Departments of Micro and Nanosystems, University of Applied Sciences, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria; Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH, Viktor Kaplan Strasse 2 A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria. ' Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH, Viktor Kaplan Strasse 2 A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria. ' Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH, Viktor Kaplan Strasse 2 A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Abstract: Through a novel immunoassay nanoparticles (NPs) are captured via immune-reactive proteins and positioned as a sub-monolayer just a few nanometres above a light reflective surface. Here the particles and the mirror form a nanometric interference system with a tuneable colour throughout the full spectrum of light. This concept, which was inspired by nature ('wings of a butterfly'), creates an intensive colour clearly visible to the eye. By adaptation of this technique point-of-care (POC) tests become more sensitive, specific and time efficient. The novel format employs a combination of microfluidics and 'resonance-enhanced absorption' (REA) of gold and palladium nanoparticles quantifying interleukin-6 as an important parameter of acute sepsis. The colour intensity of the rapid test is boosted by using a subsequent silver enhancement. This performed in situ in just two to three minutes and a sensitivity of < 500 pg/ml was obtained.

Keywords: bio-inspired nanocolour; resonance-enhanced absorption; REA; lateral flow assay; palladium nanoparticles; microfluidics; CO2 laser ablation; point-of-care diagnostics; immunoassays; nanotechnology; butterfly wings; gold nanoparticles; silver; interleukin-6; acute sepsis; healthcare technology; medical diagnosis; immune-reactive proteins.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2011.045118

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2011 Vol.4 No.2, pp.159 - 185

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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