Gold Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric Assay for the Direct Detection of Cancerous Cells

Early and accurate detection of cancer often requires time-consuming techniques and expensive instrumentation. To address these limitations, we developed a colorimetric assay for the direct detection of diseased cells. The assay uses aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles to combine the selectivity and affinity of aptamers and the spectroscopic advantages of gold nanoparticles to allow for the sensitive detection of cancer cells. Samples with the target cells present exhibited a distinct color change while nontarget samples did not elicit any change in color. The assay also showed excellent sensitivity with both the naked eye and based on absorbance measurements. In addition, the assay was able to differentiate…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health