title: Polymerization-based signal amplification for paper-based immunoassays.
abstract: Diagnostic tests in resource-limited settings require technologies that are affordable and easy to use with minimal infrastructure. Colorimetric detection methods that produce results that are readable by eye, without reliance on specialized and expensive equipment, have great utility in these settings. We report a colorimetric method that integrates a paper-based immunoassay with a rapid, visible-light-induced polymerization to provide high visual contrast between a positive and a negative result. Using Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 as an example, we demonstrate that this method allows visual detection of proteins in complex matrices such as human serum and provides quantitative information regarding analyte levels when combined with cellphone-based imaging. It also allows the user to decouple the capture of analyte from signal amplification and visualization steps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. gwhitesides@gmwgroup.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Abraham K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Badu-Tawiah
authors.forename: Shefali
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lathwal
authors.forename: Kaja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaastrup
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Sayah
authors.forename: Dionysios C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Christodouleas
authors.forename: Barbara S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Whitesides
authors.forename: Hadley D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Sikes
mesh_terms: D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D003124:Colorimetry; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D010209:Paper; D058105:Polymerization; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; C514457:HRP-2 antigen, Plasmodium falciparum; D015800:Protozoan Proteins