Immobilized cellulose nanospheres enable rapid antigen detection in lateral flow immunoassays

Katariina Solin, Marco Beaumont, Maryam Borghei, Hannes Orelma, Pascal Mertens, Orlando J. Rojas*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Rapid diagnostic systems are essential in controlling the spread of viral pathogens and efficient patient management. The available technologies for low-cost viral antigen testing have several limitations, including a lack of accuracy and sensitivity. Here, we introduce a platform based on cellulose II nanoparticles (oppositely charged NPan and NPcat) for effective control of surface protein interactions, leading to rapid and sensitive antigen tests. Passivation against non-specific adsorption and augmented immobilization of sensing antibodies is achieved by adjusting the electrostatic charge of the nanoparticles. The interactions affecting the performance of the system are investigated by microgravimetry and confocal imaging. As a proof-of-concept test, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid sensing was carried out by using saliva-wicking by channels that were stencil-printed on paper. We conclude that inkjet-printed NPcat elicits strong optical signals, visible after a few minutes, opening the opportunity for cost-effective and rapid diagnostic. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2353–2365
JournalCellulose
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jan 2023
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Funding

Authors acknowledge funding by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 760876. Also, funding by Academy of Finland's Flagship Programme under Projects Nos. 318890 and 318891 (Competence Center for Materials Bioeconomy, FinnCERES) is acknowledged. OJR is grateful for the support received from the ERC Advanced Grant Agreement No. 788489 ("BioElCell") and The Canada Excellence Research Chair Program (CERC-2018-00006), as well as Canada Foundation for Innovation (Project Number 38623). KS acknowledges funding by the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering doctoral programme. Dr. Dev Sriranganadane is acknowledged for his helpful discussion. Prof. Patrick Gane is acknowledged for his help in the development of the printed fluidic channel. We acknowledge the provision of facilities and technical support by Aalto University at OtaNano—Nanomicroscopy Center (Aalto-NMC). Open Access funding provided by Aalto University. This project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 760876. This work was a part of the Academy of Finland's Flagship Programme under Projects Nos. 318890 and 318891 (Competence Center for Materials Bioeconomy, FinnCERES). OJR acknowledges support from the ERC Advanced Grant Agreement No. 788489 ("BioElCell") and The Canada Excellence Research Chair Program (CERC-2018-00006), as well as Canada Foundation for Innovation (Project Number 38623). KS acknowledges funding by the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering doctoral programme.

Keywords

  • Cellulose nanoparticles
  • Coronavirus antigen test
  • Immunoassays
  • Paper-based diagnostics
  • Patterning
  • Protein interactions

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