Heteroassembled gold nanoparticles with sandwich-immunoassay LSPR chip format for rapid and sensitive detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg).

This study aimed to develop a more sensitive method for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using heteroassembled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A single layered localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) chip format was developed with antigen-antibody reaction-based detection symmetry using AuNPs, which detected HBsAg at 10 pg/mL. To further improve the detection limit, a modified detection format was fabricated by fixing a secondary antibody (to form a heteroassembled sandwich format) to the AuNP monolayer, which enhanced the detection sensitivity by about 100 times. The developed heteroassembled AuNPs sandwich-immunoassay LSPR chip format was able to detect as little as 100 fg/mL of HBsAg within 10-15 min. In addition, the heteroassembled AuNPs sandwich-immunoassay LSPR chip format did not show any non-specific binding to other tested antigens, including alpha fetoprotein (AFP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These findings confirm that the proposed detection strategy of heteroassembled AuNPs sandwich-immunoassay LSPR chip format may provide a new platform for early diagnosis of various human diseases.

Development of gold nanoparticle-aptamer-based LSPR sensing chips for the rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium in pork meat.

A non-labeled, portable plasmonic biosensor-based device was developed to enable the ultra-sensitive and selective detection of Salmonella typhimurium in pork meat samples. Specifically, a plasmonic sensor, using the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to achieve a regulated diameter of 20 nm for the AuNP monolayers, was used to conduct high-density deposition on a transparent substrate, which produced longitudinal wavelength extinction shifts via a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) signal. The developed aptamers conjugated to the LSPR sensing chips revealed an ultra-sensitive upper limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 104 cfu/mL for S. typhimurium in pure culture under the optimal assay conditions, with a total analysis time of 30-35 min. When the LSPR sensing chips were applied on artificially contaminated pork meat samples, S. typhimurium in the spiked pork meat samples was also detected at an LOD of 1.0 × 104 cfu/mL. The developed method could detect S. typhimurium in spiked pork meat samples without a pre-enrichment step. Additionally, the LSPR sensing chips developed against S. typhimurium were not susceptible to any effect of the food matrix or background contaminant microflora. These findings confirmed that the developed gold nanoparticle-aptamer-based LSPR sensing chips could facilitate sensitive detection of S. typhimurium in food samples.

Development of Lateral Flow Assay Based on Size-Controlled Gold Nanoparticles for Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.

In this study, we developed lateral flow assay (LFA) biosensors for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigens using well-controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To enhance colorimetric signals, a seeded growth method was used for the preparation of size-controlled AuNPs with a narrow size distribution. Different sizes of AuNPs in the range of 342-137.8 nm were conjugated with antibodies and then optimized for the efficient detection of LFA biosensors. The conjugation stability was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy of AuNP dispersion at various pH values and concentrations of antibody. Based on optimized conjugation conditions, the use of 42.7 ± 0.8 nm AuNPs exhibited superior performance for the detection of LFAs relative to other sizes of AuNPs.

Elastic limits in torsion of reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments.

INTRODUCTION: Reciprocating angle and torsional load at the superelastic limit were investigated for nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments used with reciprocating movements. METHODS: Two reciprocating NiTi instruments (Reciproc R25 [VDW, Munich, Germany] and WaveOne Primary [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland]) and ProTaper F2 (Dentsply Maillefer) were tested for 2 torsional conditions using a custom-designed testing device. Rotational angles were applied, and generated torque values were recorded. The first test condition fixed the files at 5 mm and repetitively rotated them with gradually increasing angles up to 250° (n = 10). The second test subjected the files to a single continuous rotation until fracture (n = 10). The superelastic limits of the instruments were determined from their torque-rotation curves. Statistical analysis was performed (Kruskal-Wallis) at a 95% significance level. The tested specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: It was found that the angle at the superelastic limit was higher for R25 and Primary files than the ProTaper file (P < .05). Repetitive torsional loading with a gradually increasing rotational angle reduced the torsional resistance compared with the single rotation motion. At the 5-mm fixation level all files had superelastic limit angles higher than the 170° set in the dedicated reciprocating motor. The scanning electron microscopic analysis showed features of torsional failure. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, the 170° set angle of dedicated motors for reciprocating file systems is safe at the 5-mm level. Reuse of reciprocating systems, even with the movements within the elastic limit, may cause deterioration of the instruments.

Safety of the factory preset rotation angle of reciprocating instruments.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the torsional resistance of 2 reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments (Reciproc [VDW, Munich, Germany] and WaveOne [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland]) operated at the maximum rotating angle in a proprietary motor. METHODS: With the file tip secured at various levels (3, 4, or 5 mm) of Reciproc R25 and WaveOne Primary, the distortion angles and torsional loads were monitored during counterclockwise movement at 2 rpm until fracture (n = 10 at each level) for a load-distortion graph. The rotation angles and loads at the beginning point of the plateau, the ultimate torsional strength, final fracture angle, and toughness were determined. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test at α = .05. The lateral longitudinal aspect and the fracture cross-section of each specimen were examined by scanning electron microscopy after the test. RESULTS: The rotation angle at the beginning point of the plateau was significantly greater for a binding site farther away from the tip of the instrument for both systems (P < .05), and all were greater than 170° (preset in the dedicated motor from manufacturer). The ultimate strength and toughness also increased significantly at levels farther away from the instrument tip (P < .05). All specimens showed typical topographic features of torsional fracture, including the circular abrasion marks and fibrous dimples near the rotation center after the test. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the 2 brands of reciprocating files are safe when operated at the rotational angle in the proprietary motor.