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

描述(申请人提供)：液晶可以用来在表面成像蛋白质。在以前的研究中，我们已经证明，将亲和接触打印技术与液晶成像相结合可以形成一种快速、无标记的检测技术，适用于抗体的检测。在这个第一阶段的提案中，我们承诺提高这一方法的灵敏度，以扩展其对临床相关低浓度分子的检测，如生物标记物和细胞因子。我们提出的方法将允许检测存在于pg/ml浓度的溶液中的分子。该项目的成功将使基于液晶的高灵敏度、高密度微阵列的开发成为可能，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.