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DNA origami signal amplification in lateral flow immunoassays

Author

Listed:
  • Heini Ijäs

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Julian Trommler

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Linh Nguyen

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Stefan Rest

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Philipp C. Nickels

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Tim Liedl

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

  • Maximilian J. Urban

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)

Abstract

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) enable a rapid detection of analytes in a simple, paper-based test format. Despite their multiple advantages, such as low cost and ease of use, their low sensitivity compared to laboratory-based testing limits their use in e.g. many critical point-of-care applications. Here, we present a DNA origami-based signal amplification technology for LFIAs. DNA origami is used as a molecularly precise adapter to connect detection antibodies to tailored numbers of signal-generating labels. As a proof of concept, we apply the DNA origami signal amplification in a sandwich-based LFIA for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in human serum. We show a 55-fold improvement of the assay sensitivity with 40-nm gold nanoparticle labels and an adjustable signal amplification of up to 125-fold with fluorescent dyes. The technology is compatible with a wide range of existing analytes, labels, and sample matrices, and presents a modular approach for improving the sensitivity and reliability of lateral flow testing.

Suggested Citation

  • Heini Ijäs & Julian Trommler & Linh Nguyen & Stefan Rest & Philipp C. Nickels & Tim Liedl & Maximilian J. Urban, 2025. "DNA origami signal amplification in lateral flow immunoassays," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57385-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57385-6
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