Emma Wyatt
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Young Geun Park
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Mechanical Engineering / Engineering
Program:
Authors: Emma Wyatt, Young Geun Park
Session: Session 5: 2:40 pm – 3:30 pm
Poster: 92
Abstract
Access to reliable medical testing results, specifically for diseases and cancers, often takes a prolonged period of time, and requires the use of large, stationary test equipment. To improve upon the speed at which these results are delivered, this research works towards the development of a portable, biomedical device that functions to rapidly detect specific biomarkers on-site. Because of its stability and good optical qualities, we developed an aptamer-based gold nanoparticle (AuNP) array biosensor for detecting Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine and essential biomarker of ovarian cancer and colon cancer. We coupled an aptamer composed of synthetically produced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands with a specifically designed AuNP array to provide highly specific, sensitive, and fast detection of the IL-6. Furthermore, to deal with a small sample volume (5µL), which is 100 times smaller than standard techniques, we integrated a microchamber constructed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). After tuning the AuNP array’s aptamer density, we successfully observed spectrum shift as a function of IL-6 concentration over a wide range of concentrations from 0.1 ng/mL to 105 ng/mL and produced a calibration curve using IL-6 standard solution. All detection tests were done within 20 nm, with a detection limit of ~0.1 ng/mL and good specificity. We believe this biosensor can be installed in a point-of-care device, so that patients may receive rapid, reliable, and convenient test results, permitting earlier diagnosis of cancers and diseases and a corresponding reduction in time before treatment.
