In this video, we describe the Raman spectroscopy-based direct immunoassay method for detecting specific target antigens. The antibodies, which are adsorbed onto the surface of gold nanoparticles attached to Raman probes, interact with target antigens and produce a specific Raman spectrum, which is subsequently detected.
Protocol
1. Prepare UV-Vis/Raman Probes Prepare bare AuNP solution Prepare a 2 ml solution of AuNPs with a concentration of approximately 1 x 1011 particles per ml. If the AuNPs need to be concentrated, fill low-binding centrifuge tubes with 2,000 μl of stock AuNP and centrifuge at 5,000 x g for 20 min or until the supernatant is clear. Remove the supernatant by pipetting, being careful not to disturb the AuNP pellet. Combine the rem…
Representative Results
Figure 1. Prepared immunoassay plate. Image of a prepared immunoassay plate. Rows A through E are test samples while rows F through H are control samples. Column 1 contains the undiluted nanoparticles and every subsequent column has half the concentration of AuNP probes.
Divulgaciones
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Materials
60 nm Gold Nanoparticle
Ted Pella, Inc.
15708-6
These are citrate-capped gold nanoparticles. Please see Discussion for relationship between Raman reporter and AuNP surface charge and its imporance to proper selection of AuNP and/or Raman reporter.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Fisher Scientific
S233-500
Methanol
Pharmco-Aaper
339000000
Tris-Buffered Saline (10x) pH 7.5
Scy Tek
TBD999
Bottle Top Filtration Unit
VWR
97066-202
Tween 20 (polysorbate 20)
Scy Tek
TWN500
Used as an emulsifying agent for washing steps.
Phosphate-Buffered Saline 10x Concentrate, pH 7.4
Scy Tek
PBD999
Protein LoBind Tube 2.0 ml
Eppendorf Tubes
22431102
LoBind tubes prevent binding of proteins and AuNPs to surfaces of the tubes.
Protein LoBind Tube 0.5 ml
Eppendorf Tubes
22431064
LoBind tubes prevent binding of proteins and AuNPs to surfaces of the tubes.
Microplate Devices UniSeal
GE Healthcare
7704-0001
Used for sealing and storing functionalized plates.
Assay Plate, With Low Evaporation Lid, 96 Well Flat Bottom
In-house built 785 nm inverted Raman microscope unit
N/A
N/A
An inverted Raman microscope is best for proper focusing onto surface of the well plate. Otherwise a very low magnification will be used due to height of the 96-well plate. An in-house built system was used as it was cheaper than buying from a vendor. However, any commercially available inverted Raman microscope system can be used.