Author Spotlight: High-Quality Quantum Dot Nanobeads for Sensitive Fluorescent Lateral Flow Immunoassays

Our research interests currently focus on constructing high-quality multifunctional nanomaterials and their application in the development of ultrasensitive point-of-care diagnostics. Lateral flow immunoassay strips serve as critical rapid detection tools at the point-of-care, particularly in disease screening during epidemics to enhance the detection sensitivity to lateral flow immunoassay. Various new nanoparticle has emerged, including colored latex, upcoercion fluorescent nanoparticles, timed-result fluorescent microspheres, and quantum dots.

We presented a one-step emulsion evaporation method for preparing quantum dot nanobeads and other applications in sensitivity, for instance, lateral fluoro-immunoassays. Common to other methods of preparing quantum dot nanobeads, this protocol offers the advantage of simplicities of operation and high productivity. Additionally, the polymer composite nanobeads are biocompatible, unlike silica nanobeads, which generally need additional surface modification with polymers.

Sensitive fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay strips have been developed using prepared quantum dot nanobeads. These strips can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively detect disease biomarkers at point-of-care. This new assay could help medical professionals diagnose diseases quickly and accurately.