Improved Sensitivity in a Rapid, Label-Free Immunoassay using Liquid Crystals

描述（由申请人提供）：液晶可用于对表面上的蛋白质进行成像。在以前的研究中，我们已经表明，亲和接触印刷技术与液晶成像的组合可以形成快速，无标记检测技术的基础，可用于检测抗体。在该1期提案中，我们承诺增加该方法的灵敏度，以将其有效性扩展到检测具有临床相关性的低浓度分子，例如生物标志物和细胞因子。我们提出的方法，将允许检测存在于溶液中的分子在pg/ml浓度。该项目的成功将允许开发基于液晶的高灵敏度、高密度微阵列，用于快速、无标记地检测低浓度分子。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Liquid crystals can be used to image proteins on surfaces. In previous studies, we have shown that a combination of affinity contact printing techniques with liquid crystal imaging can form the basis for a rapid, label free detection technology, useful in the detection of antibodies. In this Phase 1 proposal, we undertake to increase the sensitivity of this approach to extend its usefulness to detection of low concentration molecules of clinical relevance, such as biomarkers and cytokines. We propose approaches that will permit detection of molecules present in solution at the pg/ml concentration. The success of this project will permit the development of high sensitivity, high density micro arrays based on liquid crystals for rapid, label free detection of low concentration molecules.