Amplified Detection of a Unique Genomic Viral Marker Using Fluorescently Labeled Liposomes

Samir AbouShaheen; Hassan H. Fakih; Jana M. Kobeissi; Pierre Karam

Index: 10.1002/admi.201701527

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Abstract

Sensitive and enzyme‐free detection of specific oligonucleotide sequences is a pressing need in the field of precision and personalized medicine. In this work the detection of a unique genetic marker for hepatitis B virus with a low detection limit of 5 × 10−12m and a fast assay time is reported. In the assay presented here, fluorescently labeled liposomes are captured by gold‐decorated polystyrene beads using the target sequence as the building block. This is achieved by modifying the microbeads and the liposomes each with half of the complementary sequence. After a short incubation time with the target of interest, the fluorescent signal of the bridged bead–liposome assembly is detected via flow cytometry. Each liposome is labeled with ≈48 lipid soluble dyes resulting in an amplified fluorescent signal for every sensing event. The detection of the viral marker is even possible in an artificial serum‐spiked sample.