title: Quantum dot-based immunosensor for the detection of prostate-specific antigen using fluorescence microscopy.
abstract: A sensitive optical method based on quantum dot (QD) technology is demonstrated for the detection of an important cancer marker, total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) on a disposable carbon substrate surface. Immuno-recognition was carried out on a carbon substrate using a sandwich assay approach, where the primary antibody (Ab)-protein A complex covalently bound to the substrate surface, was allowed to capture TPSA. After the recognition event, the substrate was exposed to the biotinylated secondary Abs. After incubation with the QD streptavidin conjugates, QDs were captured on the substrate surface by the strong biotin-streptavidin affinity. Fluorescence imaging of the substrate surface illuminated the QDs, and provided a very sensitive tool for the detection of TPSA in undiluted human serum samples with a detection limit of 0.25ng/mL. The potential of this method for application as a simple and efficient diagnostic strategy for immunoassays is discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan.
authors.forename: Kagan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kerman
authors.forename: Tatsuro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: Masatoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsukamoto
authors.forename: Miyuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chikae
authors.forename: Yuzuru
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takamura
authors.forename: Eiichi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tamiya