Resistive-Pulse Measurements with Nanopipettes: Detection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) Using Antibody-Decorated Nanoparticles

Anal Chem. 2015 Jun 16;87(12):6403-10. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b01468. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Abstract

Quartz nanopipettes have recently been employed for resistive-pulse sensing of Au nanoparticles (AuNP) and nanoparticles with bound antibodies. The analytical signal in such experiments is the change in ionic current caused by the nanoparticle translocation through the pipette orifice. This paper describes resistive-pulse detection of cancer biomarker (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C, VEGF-C) through the use of antibody-modified AuNPs and nanopipettes. The main challenge was to differentiate between AuNPs with attached antibodies for VEGF-C and antigen-conjugated particles. The zeta-potentials of these types of particles are not very different, and, therefore, carefully chosen pipettes with well-characterized geometry were necessary for selective detection of VEGF-C.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / analysis*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
  • Gold