Description:
Fundamental research at the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (ORC) showed that grams of functionalised monodisperse silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) can be produced. These Si NPs feature tunable fluorescence emission properties (spectral addresses) either through their size or functionalisation (amino- and/or caboxyalkylation having different chain lengths). Functionalised fluorescent Si NPs have great potential in multi-analyte (multiplex) diagnostics, either directly by measuring spectral changes due to coupling with reagents and biochemical interactions, or indirectly following a separation of bound and unbound Si NPs. Despite its potential, the feasibility of real-life apllications has not been demonstrated. Tunable Si NPs are of interest for the DLO-institutes RIKILT, PRI, CVI and AFSG, being at forefront development, application and marketing of multiplex assays in the food chain.
Research objectives:
The Nanoplex project will set a new benchmark by directly measuring multiplex biointeractions in solution (omitting flow cytometry) using (changes in) the different emission addresses of the Si NPs, both defining the type of interaction and the intensity. Nanoplex will bridge the gap between fundamental and applied activities by combining diagnostic experts from DLO with silicon and synthesis experts from ORC, thus assuring a unique but realistic opportunity for a new diagnostic platform concept in food control. The model system will consist of immunoassays for two mycotoxins.
Results and products:
The project started at the 1st of May 2008 with the employment of a PhD student. Since then, the first compounds (precursors for the Si NPs surface) were synthesized and the first experiments for the synthesis and purification of the Si NPs were performed as well as research for chemistry of the conjugation of one of the model compounds (T2-toxin) to the Si NPs and commercially available antibodies against the deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin were selected, tested and purchased in bigger quantities. |
