AN IMPROVED SCANOMETRIC IMMUNOASSAY BASED ON DUAL ENLARGEMENT OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES FOR RAPID AND LOW COST PATHOGEN DETECTION

In this study, we introduce a dual enlargement of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the scanometric detection of pathogenic<br/>bacteria. After capturing the target bacteria (Campylobacter jejuni cells), the gold immunoprobes were added to create signal on a solid substrate. The signal was then amplified dually by a gold growth process and a silver enhancement resulting in stronger intensity which can easily be recognized by an unaided eye, or measured by an inexpensive flatbed scanner. The dual-enhanced nanocatalysis is herein reported for the first time, it provides valuable insight into the development of a rapid, simple and cost-effective detection format.