Dual lateral flow assay using quantum nanobeads for quantitative detection of BDNF and TNF-α in tears
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative eye diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve which is typically asymptomatic until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Early screening is essential for timely treatment to prevent visual impairment. However, existing detection methods struggle to achieve a balance between accuracy, time efficiency, and portability. The lateral flow assay (LFA) is a well-established immunoanalytical tool for point-of-care (POC) analysis. Here, we have developed a unique dual-testing, quantum nanobeads-based fluorescence LFA, allowing for the simultaneous and quantitative detection of two glaucoma biomarkers: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). By coating quantum dots on the surface of a SiO2 core, the fluorescent intensity of the quantum nanobeads was enhanced enabling an accurate, efficient, and high-throughput bioanalytical performance, with low detection limits of 3.39 pg mL−1 for TNF-α and 4.13 pg mL−1 for BDNF. The LFA also demonstrated superior selectivity, reproducibility, and stability to the standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using a 3D-printed readout box, the analysis of the LFA requires only a readily accessible smartphone and image processing software, making it an ideal POC detection tool. This ultrasensitive, economical, and user-friendly LFA demonstrates significant potential as an alternative for glaucoma screening.
Date Issued
2025-05-07
Date Acceptance
2025-04-02
Citation
Lab on a Chip, 2025, 25 (9), pp.2291-2303
ISSN
1473-0197
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Start Page
2291
End Page
2303
Journal / Book Title
Lab on a Chip
Volume
25
Issue
9
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025. This article is licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
License URL
Subjects
Tears
Humans
Silicon Dioxide
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Immunoassay
Quantum Dots
Limit of Detection
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-05-15