Conjugation of luminescent nanoparticles with biological systems

• Grant number: 07/00718-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2007
• End date: November 30, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Maria Pires
• Grantee: João Paulo Gelamos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Up-converter luminescent nanoparticles convert IR into visible light and have been applied in immunoassay diagnosis tests. However, this kind of system will only succeed if particles are functionalized, i.e., the luminescent nanoreporter must have a functional group capable of joining with specific reagents because the basic principle is the immobilization of one reagent in the solid phase whereas the others can be attached to an enzyme of interest (analite). Therefore, the aim of this work is the investigation of conjugation protocols between luminescent nanoreporters coated with amino-functionalized silica and Streptavidin, which takes part of the self-recognition system avidin-biotin used in immunoassays. Preliminary protocols were developed applying no coated nanoreporters, in this case Y2O2S:Er3+,Yb3+, and it was verified that they are inefficient during diagnosis assays. So, nanoparticles coated with amino-functionalized silica already prepared and also with amino groups quantified will be used for the development of conjugation protocols with Streptavidin or albumin and then tested in the biotin recognition.