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The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique provides outstanding molecular fingerprint identification and high sensitivity of analytes. Herein, colloidal sphere-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) trapped in concentric rings of the Bessel beam generated from the optical fiber-based negative axicon has been reported as a SERS substrate. With the trapping of Au-NPs, the SERS ability of colloidal Au-NPs improved, and the average enhancement factor (AEF) of the rhodamine-6G (R6G) and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) molecules can reach up to the order of 107. Control experiments were also carried out with the trapping of Au-NPs by Gaussian beam illumination, without any illumination of the light and with the trapping of Au-NPs by the Bessel beam illumination on a silver (Ag)-coated silicon (Si) substrate with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-ATP. Theoretical studies were also carried out using the finite element method (FEM) to identify the hotspots generated in the gaps formed between the Au-NPs, leading to an enhancement in the SERS signal of the molecules, and the results were consistent with the experimentally determined AEFs. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed SERS technique is stable. This study has significant potential applications in clinical diagnosis, food safety, environment safety, chemical sensing, and biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research aims to develop rapid and user-friendly diagnostic approaches for the detection of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), a lethal disease threatening the shrimp industry worldwide. We have developed a special antibody to target a virulence protein in the bacteria that cause this disease. By using this antibody, we have created a rapid and accurate test using gold particles to detect these harmful bacteria. The test has shown promising results, accurately distinguishing between disease-causing and harmless bacteria. This innovative method could revolutionize the early detection and management of AHPND in shrimp farms, leading to healthier shrimp production and improved disease control. Ultimately, this advancement has the potential to benefit the aquaculture industry by safeguarding shrimp populations and ensuring sustainable farming practices. Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) poses a significant threat to shrimp aquaculture worldwide, necessitating the accurate and rapid detection of the pathogens. However, the increasing number of Vibrio species that cause the disease makes diagnosis and control more difficult. This study focuses on developing a monoclonal antibody against the Photorhabdus insect-related (Pir) toxin B (PirB), a pivotal virulence factor in AHPND-causing Vibrio, and establishing a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for the enhanced early diagnosis and monitoring of AHPND. Monoclonal antibodies targeting PirB were developed and utilized in the preparation of colloidal-gold-labeled antibodies for the immunochromatographic assay. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay were evaluated through various tests, including antibody subclass detection, affinity detection, and optimal labeling efficiency assessment. The developed PirB immunochromatographic test strips exhibited a good specificity, as demonstrated by the positive detection of AHPND-causing Vibrio and negative results for non-AHPND-causing Vibrio. The study highlights the potential of the developed monoclonal antibody and immunochromatographic assay for the effective detection of AHPND-causing Vibrio. Further optimization is needed to enhance the sensitivity of the test strips for improved practical applications in disease prevention and control in shrimp aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getah virus (GETV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus that is highly pathogenic, mainly to pigs and horses. There are no vaccines or treatments available for GETV in swine in China. Therefore, the development of a simple, rapid, specific, and sensitive serological assay for GETV antibodies is essential for the prevention and control of GETV. Current antibody monitoring methods are time-consuming, expensive, and dependent on specialized instrumentation, and these features are not conducive to rapid detection in clinical samples. To address these problem, we developed immunochromatographic test strips (ICTS) using eukaryotically expressed soluble recombinant p62-E1 protein of GETV as a labelled antigen, which has good detection sensitivity and no cross-reactivity with other common porcine virus-positive sera. The ICTS is highly compatible with IFA and ELISA and can be stored for 1 month at 37 °C and for at least 3 months at room temperature. Hence, p62-E1-based ICTS is a rapid, accurate, and convenient method for rapid on-site detection of GETV antibodies. Key points: • We established a rapid antibody detection method that can monitor GETV infection • We developed colloidal gold test strips with high sensitivity and specificity • The development of colloidal gold test strips will aid in the field serologic detection of GETV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrite is the most common sulfide mineral in hydrothermal ore-forming systems. The ubiquity and abundance of pyrite, combined with its ability to record and preserve a history of fluid evolution in crustal environments, make it an ideal mineral for studying the genesis of hydrothermal ore deposits, including those that host critical metals. However, with the exception of boiling, few studies have been able to directly link changes in pyrite chemistry to the processes responsible for bonanza-style gold mineralization. Here, we report the results of high-resolution secondary-ion mass spectrometry and electron microprobe analyses conducted on pyrite from the Brucejack epithermal gold deposit, British Columbia. Our δ34S and trace element results reveal that the Brucejack hydrothermal system experienced abrupt fluctuations in fluid chemistry, which preceded and ultimately coincided with the onset of ultra-high-grade mineralization. We argue that these fluctuations, which include the occurrence of extraordinarily negative δ34S values (e.g., -36.1%) in zones of auriferous, arsenian pyrite, followed by sharp increases of δ34S values in syn-electrum zones of nonarsenian pyrite, were caused by vigorous, fault valve-induced episodic boiling (flashing) and subsequent inundation of the hydrothermal system by seawater. We conclude that the influx of seawater was the essential step to forming bonanza-grade electrum mineralization by triggering, through the addition of cationic flocculants and cooling, the aggregation of colloidal gold suspensions. Moreover, our study demonstrates the efficacy of employing high-resolution, in situ analytical techniques to map out individual ore-forming events in a hydrothermal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, starch derivatives, i.e., sodium starch octenylsuccinate (OSA starch, hereinafter referred to as OSA), were employed as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the unique, inexpensive, and simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles (OSA-AuNPs) in an aqueous solution with gold salt. The obtained OSA-AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the obtained gold colloids was studied in the reduction of organic dyes, including methylene blue (C.I. Basic Blue 9) and rhodamine B (C.I. Basic Violet 10), and food coloring, including tartrazine (E102) and azorubine (E122), by sodium borohydride. Moreover, OSA-AuNPs were utilized as signal amplifiers in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results confirmed that gold nanoparticles can be used as effective catalysts in reduction reactions of selected organic dyes, as well as signal enhancers in the SERS technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus pesticides rank among the most extensively used pesticides in agriculture, leading to widespread contamination of water bodies, soil, and vegetation, thereby disrupting ecosystems and posing health risks. Consequently, rapid and precise detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues is crucial for effective pesticide management. Conventional analytical methods such as chromatography and spectroscopy rely on sophisticated equipment and specialized personnel, incurring high costs and time consumption. In response, this study presents an innovative approach involving the development of aptamer-based colloidal gold lateral flow test strips for the swift and accurate detection of residual organophosphorus pesticides in fruits and vegetables. These test strips offer advantages such as sensitivity, portability, and ease of operation, enabling on-site application in real sample detection and demonstrating excellent applicability. Furthermore, the logical operation process of these test strips facilitates science popularization and education. Diverse experimental processes and schemes tailored for different audiences serve to stimulate interest in chemistry and science while enhancing awareness of food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general procedure to prepare gold nanourchins (GNUs) via a seed-mediated method was followed using dopamine hydrochloride as a reducing agent and silver nitrate salt (AgNO3) as a shape-directing agent. The novelty of this study comes from the successful incorporation of the prepared gold urchins as an aqueous suspension in a nasal pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) formulation and the investigation of their potential for olfactory targeting for direct nose-to-brain drug delivery (NTBDD). The developed pMDI formulation was composed of 0.025% w/w GNUs, 2% w/w Milli-Q water, and 2% w/w EtOH, with the balance of the formulation being HFA134a propellant. Particle integrity and aerosolization performance were examined using an aerosol exposure system, whereas the nasal deposition profile was tested in a sectioned anatomical replica of human nasal airways. The compatibility of the gold dispersion with the nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650 was also investigated in this study. Colloidal gold was found to be stable following six-month storage at 4 °C and during the lyophilization process utilizing a pectin matrix for complete re-dispersibility in water. The GNUs were intact and discrete following atomization via a pMDI, and 13% of the delivered particles were detected beyond the nasal valve, the narrowest region in the nasal cavity, out of which 5.6% was recovered from the olfactory region. Moreover, the formulation was found to be compatible with the human nasal epithelium cell line RPMI 2650 and excellent cell viability was observed. The formulated GNU-HFA-based pMDI is a promising approach for intranasal drug delivery, including deposition in the olfactory region, which could be employed for NTBDD applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 highlighted the importance of reliable detection methods for disease control and surveillance. Optimizing detection antibodies by rational screening antigens would improve the sensitivity and specificity of antibody-based detection methods such as colloidal gold immunochromatography. In this study, we screened three peptide antigens with conserved sequences in the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 using bioinformatical and structural biological analyses. Antibodies that specifically recognize these peptides were prepared. The epitope of the peptide that had the highest binding affinity with its antibody was located on the surface of the N protein, which was favorable for antibody binding. Using the optimal antibody that can recognize this epitope, we developed colloidal gold immunochromatography, which can detect the N protein at 10 pg/mL. Importantly, this antibody could effectively recognize both the natural peptide antigen and mutated peptide antigen in the N protein, showing the feasibility of being applied in the large-scale population testing of SARS-CoV-2. Our study provides a platform with reference significance for the rational screening of detection antibodies with high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal gold, a marker widely embraced in commercial point-of-care testing (POCT) for immunochromatographic assays, is distinguished by its vivid color characteristics. It is environmentally benign, morphologically stable, and required no further visual modifications. This study details a straightforward process for fabricating test strips that obviate the need for sophisticated, costly equipment. Colloidal gold, synthesized by reducing the chloroauric acid with trisodium citrate, was conjugated to the nucleocapsid N protein antibody of SARS-CoV-2. With the test strip's visible area, a competitive antibody-antigen-antibody sandwich complex forms, with the red test line serving as the basis for qualitative analysis of the virus. This detection approach is visually discernible, userfriendly, rapid (within 10 min), sensitive (detection limit of 0.5 ng∙mL-1) and cost-effective (each strip costing no more than 5 yuan). The experimental process offers students an opportunity to engage with the specific biochemical reactions triggered by antigen-antibody interactions, fostering a deep interest in exploring rapid diagnostic technologies that integrate chemistry, biology, life sciences and nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been essential to study virus–cell interactions. The architecture of viral replication factories, the principles of virus assembly and the components of virus egress pathways are known thanks to the contribution of TEM methods. Specially, when studying viruses in cells, methodologies for labeling proteins and other macromolecules are important tools to correlate morphology with function. In this review, we present the most widely used labeling method for TEM, immunogold, together with a lesser known technique, metal‐tagging transmission electron microscopy (METTEM) and how they can contribute to study viral infections. Immunogold uses the power of antibodies and electron dense, colloidal gold particles while METTEM uses metallothionein (MT), a metal‐binding protein as a clonable tag. MT molecules build gold nano‐clusters inside cells when these are incubated with gold salts. We describe the necessary controls to confirm that signals are specific, the advantages and limitations of both methods, and show some examples of immunogold and METTEM of cells infected with viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical behavior of a flat gold electrode in an acetonitrile solution of 3-(1,4-dimethyl-2,3,5,6-tetraoxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-7-yl)propanoic acid was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The formation of colloidal gold particles was detected during the anodic oxidation. The kinetics of their formation was studied by the gravimetric method. Peroxide bonds in the cyclic peroxide molecule were found to be reduced on the cathode surface with the subsequent formation of the diketone fragment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As mitochondrial damage or dysfunction is commonly observed following burn injuries, we investigated whether mitochondrial transplantation (MT) can result in therapeutic benefits in the treatment of burns. Human immortalized epidermal cells (HaCaT) and Kunming mice were used to establish a heat-injured cell model and a deep partial-thickness skin burn animal model, respectively. The cell model was established by exposing HaCaT cells to 45 or 50 °C for 10 min, after which cell proliferation was assayed using fluorescent double-staining and colony formation assays, cell migration was assessed using colloidal gold migration and scratch assays, and cell cycle progression and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Histopathological staining, immunohistochemistry, nick-end labeling analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to evaluate the effects of MT on inflammation, tissue recovery, apoptosis, and scar growth in a mouse model. The therapeutic effects were observed in the heat-injured HaCaT cell model. MT promoted cell viability, colony formation, proliferation, and migration; decreased G1 phase; promoted cell division; and decreased apoptosis. Wound-healing promotion, anti-inflammation (decreased mast cell aggregation, down-regulated of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and up-regulated IL-10), acceleration of proliferation recovery (up-regulated CD34 and VEGF), apoptosis reduction, and scar formation reduction (decreased collagen I/III ratio and TGF-β1) were observed in the MT mouse model. The MT mode of action was, however, not investigated in this study. In conclusion, our data indicate that MT exerts a therapeutic effect on burn injuries both in vitro and in vivo. [Display omitted] • Mitochondrial transplantation promotes burn wound healing. • Mitochondrial transplantation alleviates the inflammatory response of skin burns. • Mitochondrial transplantation promotes cell migration, reduces burn-induced cell apoptosis. • Mitochondrial transplantation alleviates burn scar formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal gold nanorods (GNRs) have demonstrated their potential to absorb light within specific wavelength bands and induce photothermal effects. However, the unpredictability and lack of adjustability in the broadband spectrum formed by the self-assembly of gold nanospheres or the coupling of various sizes of GNRs have posed significant challenges. To address this, we have developed broadband GNRs (BGNRs) with a predictable and adjustable extinction band in the visible and near-infrared regions. The BGNRs were synthesized by simply mixing GNRs with different aspect ratios, allowing for control over the bandwidths and positions of the extinction bands. Subsequently, the BGNRs were coated with silica and underwent surface modification. The resulting BGNRs@SiO2 were then mixed with either polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to create BGNRs@SiO2/PDMS (or PVDF) films. The BGNRs@SiO2/PDMS and BGNRs@SiO2/PVDF films both exhibit excellent photothermal performance properties. Additionally, the light absorption intensity of the BGNRs@SiO2/PVDF film linearly increases upon folding, leading to significantly enhanced photothermal performance after folding. This work demonstrates that plasmonic colloidal GNRs, without the need for coupling, can yield predictable and adjustable extinction bands. This finding holds great promise for future development and practical applications, particularly in the transfer of these properties to films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana fusarium wilt has a significant adverse effect on the banana industry. It is worth noting that fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense 4(Foc4) is one of the most devastating and widespread pathogens of banana fusarium wilt in the world. It is a catastrophic threat to the global banana industry. At present, there is still no technology that can cure bananas infected with banana fusarium wilt. Therefore, it is extremely important for banana planting industry to detect banana fusarium wilt in time and do a good job in prevention and control. In order to realize the early accurate detection of banana fusarium wilt race 4, this study proposed a detection method of double probe paper-based sensor based on colloidal gold, which increased the use of signal enhancement probes to increase the binding amount of colloidal gold, thereby reducing the detection limit. Two kinds of colloidal gold particles with different particle sizes were combined with the corresponding detection probes and signal enhancement probes to form a double gold label probe system. The large particle size colloidal gold was used with the detection probe, while the small particle size colloidal gold was paired with the signal enhancement probe. The sample being tested was mixed with this double gold-labeled probe system. The Foc4 target sequence in the sample would be paired with the double gold-labeled probe to form a ' gold-labeled probe-target sequence-T-line probe ' complex, which continued to migrate to the water-absorbing pad. The complex was captured on the test area of the sensor. Within 10 minutes, the test paper would generate a visible target product that could be observed by the naked eye at both the test line and the quality control line areas, thus achieving qualitative detection. For quantitative detection of Foc4, the light intensity of the test strip would be further analyzed using software. The light intensity peak area was obtained and substituted into the standard curve to obtain the concentration of Foc4 detected and realize quantitative detection. Experimental results demonstrate that the detection limit of the dual-probe paper-based sensor is 0.001 nmol/L, which is 100 times of that of the traditional paper-based sensor, and the detection sensitivity is improved. The sensitivity test results demonstrated a strong linear relationship between the concentration of Foc4 and the peak area of the test line light intensity within the concentration range of 0.001-1 000.000 nmol/L. This finding suggests that the sensor can be effectively employed for quantitative detection. To assess specificity, a high concentration of non-complementary probe was utilized as the target sequence for detection and compared with the detection results of samples containing Foc4. The experiment revealed the absence of a red band at the test line when the test paper was detected by the noncomplementary sequence. Importantly, this observation indicated that the presence of the non-complementary sequence had minimal impact on the detection effect, thus affirming the sensor's excellent specificity. Finally, the paper-based sensor was used to detect Foc4 in banana leaves. The average recovery rate was 77.6%-102.3%, and the relative standard deviation was 7.4%-7.7%, indicating that it can be used for on-site detection of Foc4. The detection technology possesses the characteristics of being low-cost and easy to operate. In comparison to traditional detection methods, it enables timely, rapid and accurately determination of the presence of Foc4. Compared with the existing molecular detection technology, the detection can be completed without the need of expensive equipment or specialized personnel. This feature makes it highly suitable for widespread use. The dual-probe paper-based sensor realizes the combination of nucleic acid lateral chromatography detection technology and banana fusarium wilt detection. Its potential for widespread adoption in the early disease warning system of the banana industry is substantial. Furthermore, this technology can be combined with traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other techniques to facilitate on-site detection of Foc4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous complexation has long been considered the only viable means of transporting gold to depositional sites in hydrothermal ore-forming systems. Here, we present direct evidence supporting an alternative hypothesis, namely, the transport of gold as colloidal particles. We observed nano-scale gold particles adsorbed on halloysite and micro-scale gold particles in altered rocks by TEM and SEM in the Shanggong orogenic gold deposit. Based on this evidence, we propose a feasible model for the origin of microscopic gold particles in alteration zones. In the early stage of ore-forming fluid, gold may migrate in the form of collaurum, which is maintained by supercritical CO2 and colloidal silica. Low salinity and high pressure are conducive to the stable migration of colloidal gold. When the physicochemical conditions change, some collaurum is precipitated and adsorbed by the clay minerals produced by hydrothermal alteration, and some collaurum undergoes growth and evolves into micro-submicrometer-sized gold particles. This study highlighted the significance of collaurum in the formation of orogenic gold deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection is necessary to prevent and control toxoplasmosis transmission. The gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) is a means of rapidly detecting pathogen in samples. GICA-based diagnostic methods have been developed to accurately detect pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, and their application in T. gondii diagnosis is expected to yield good results. Methods: Colloidal gold test strips were produced using T. gondii C-terminal truncated apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1C). Colloidal gold-AMA1C and colloidal gold-murine protein conjugate were synthesized under optimal conditions. A nitrocellulose membrane was treated with AMA1C and goat anti-mouse antibody as the test line and control line, respectively. In total, 90 cat serum samples were tested using AMA1C-GICA and a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The GICA results were digitally displayed using a portable colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip analyzer (HMREADER). The sensitivity, specificity, and stability of AMA1C-GICA were assessed, and this was then used to examine clinical samples, including 203 human sera, 266 cat sera, and 81 dog sera. Results: AMA1C-GICA had a detection threshold of 1:32 for T. gondii-positive serum. The GICA strips specifically detected T. gondii antibodies and exhibited no reactivity with Plasmodium vivax, Paragonimus kellicotti, Schistosoma japonicum, Clonorchis sinensis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Consequently, 15 (16.7%) positive samples were detected using the AMA1C-GICA and commercial ELISA kits for each of the assays. The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that GICA had a relative sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 92%, with an area under the curve of 98%. After analyzing clinical samples using HMREADER, 1.2%–23.4% of these samples were found to be positive for T. gondii. Conclusions: This study presents a novel assay that enables timely and efficient detection of serum antibodies against T. gondii, thereby allowing for its early clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, the integration of digital detection using HMREADER can enhance the implementation of GICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes acute encephalitis in humans and is of major public health concern in most Asian regions. Dogs are suitable sentinels for assessing the risk of JEV infection in humans. A neutralization test (NT) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used for the serological detection of JEV in dogs; however, these tests have several limitations, and, thus, a more convenient and reliable alternative test is needed. In this study, a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip (ICS), using a purified recombinant EDIII protein, was established for the serological survey of JEV infection in dogs. The results show that the ICSs could specifically detect JEV antibodies within 10 min without cross-reactions with antibodies against other canine viruses. The test strips could detect anti-JEV in serum with dilution up to 640 times, showing high sensitivity. The coincidence rate with the NT test was higher than 96.6%. Among 586 serum samples from dogs in Shanghai examined using the ICS test, 179 (29.98%) were found to be positive for JEV antibodies, and the high seropositivity of JEV in dogs in China was significantly correlated with the season and living environment. In summary, we developed an accurate and economical ICS for the rapid detection of anti-JEV in dog serum samples with great potential for the surveillance of JEV in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice bacterial leaf streak (BLS), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), is a worldwide destructive rice bacterial disease, and seriously affects the global rice industry. Effective integrated management measures for BLS depend on the timely and proper detection of Xoc. Here, two highly specific and super-sensitive monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Xoc were first prepared using the cultured Xoc RS105 as an immunogen. Then, two serological assays, Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) and Colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip (CGICS), were developed for the super-sensitive and broad-spectrum detection of Xoc in homogenates prepared from field-collected rice plants. The newly created Dot-ELISA and CGICS assays can detect ten different Xoc strains from various provinces in China and other countries without cross-reactivity with the other ten tested plant bacteria. Furthermore, Dot-ELISA and CGICS can detect Xoc in bacterial suspensions diluted up to 9.78 × 103 CFU/mL and 4.88 × 103 CFU/mL, respectively, or in rice plant tissue homogenates diluted up to 1:51,200 (w/v, g/mL). Surprisingly, both Dot-ELISA and CGICS serological assays were more sensitive than the conventional PCR. Additionally, analysis results using field-collected rice samples showed that the newly created Dot-ELISA and CGICS were reliable in detecting Xoc in rice tissues. Thus, the two serological assays were highly valuable and effective for the diagnosis of rice bacterial leaf streak in rice-grown areas and for inspection and quarantine of Xoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a contagious disease of horses caused by the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). The clinical signs at the acute phase include intermittent high fever, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, edema, and anemia. The clinical signs at chronic and relapsing subclinical levels include emaciation and progressive weakness. Surviving horses become lifelong carriers because of the integration of the viral genome into that of the host, and these horses can produce and transmit the virus to other animals. This increases the difficulty of imposing practical control measures to prevent epidemics of this disease. Serological tests measuring the antibodies in equine sera are considered to be a reliable tool for the long-term monitoring of EIA. However, the standard serological tests for EIV either have low sensitivity (e.g., agar gel immunodiffusion test, AGID) or are time consuming to perform (e.g., ELISA and western blotting). The development of a rapid and simple method for detecting the disease is therefore critical to control the spread of EIA. In this study, we designed and developed a colloidal gold immunochromatographic (GICG) test strip to detect antibodies against EIAV based on the double-antigen sandwich. Both the p26 and gp45 proteins were used as the capture antigens, which may help to improve the positive detection rate of the strip. We found that the sensitivity of the test strip was 8 to 16 times higher than those of two commercially available ELISA tests and 128 to 256 times higher than AGID, but 8 to 16 times lower than that of western blotting. The strip has good specificity and stability. When serum samples from experimental horses immunized with the attenuated EIAV vaccine (n = 31) were tested, the results of the test strip showed 100% coincidence with those from NECVB-cELISA and 70.97% with AGID. When testing clinical serum samples (n = 1014), the test strip surprisingly provided greater sensitivity and a higher number of "true positive" results than other techniques. Therefore, we believe that the GICG test strip has demonstrated great potential in the field trials as a simple and effective tool for the detection of antibodies against EIAV. Key points: • A colloidal gold immunochromatographic (GICG) fast test strip was developed with good specificity, sensitivity, stability, and repeatability • The test strip can be used in point-of-care testing for the primary screening of EIAV antibodies • Both the p26 and gp45 proteins were used as the capture antigens, giving a high positive detection rate in the testing of experimentally infected animal and field samples [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In X-ray diffraction imaging (XDI), electron density maps of a targeted particle are reconstructed computationally from the diffraction pattern alone using phase-retrieval (PR) algorithms. However, the PR calculations sometimes fail to yield realistic electron density maps that approximate the structure of the particle. This occurs due to the absence of structure amplitudes at and near the zero-scattering angle and the presence of Poisson noise in weak diffraction patterns. Consequently, the PR calculation becomes a bottleneck for XDI structure analyses. Here, a protocol to efficiently yield realistic maps is proposed. The protocol is based on the empirical observation that realistic maps tend to yield low similarity scores, as suggested in our prior study [Sekiguchi et al. (2017), J. Synchrotron Rad. 24, 1024-1038]. Among independently and concurrently executed PR calculations, the protocol modifies all maps using the electron-density maps exhibiting low similarity scores. This approach, along with a new protocol for estimating particle shape, improved the probability of obtaining realistic maps for diffraction patterns from various aggregates of colloidal gold particles, as compared with PR calculations performed without the protocol. Consequently, the protocol has the potential to reduce computational costs in PR calculations and enable efficient XDI structure analysis of non-crystalline particles using synchrotron X-rays and X-ray freeelectron laser pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical methods (spectroscopy, spectrofluorometry, dynamic light scattering, and refractometry) were used to study the change in the state of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), protein molecules, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous colloids with changes in pH, and the interaction of protein molecules with nanoparticles was also studied. It was shown that changing pH may be the easiest way to control the protein corona on gold nanoparticles. In a colloid of nanoparticles, both in the presence and absence of protein, aggregation–deaggregation, and in a protein colloid, monomerization–dimerization–aggregation are the main processes when pH is changed. A specific point at pH 7.5, where a transition of the colloidal system from one state to another is observed, has been found using all the optical methods mentioned. It has been shown that gold nanoparticles can stabilize HEWL protein molecules at alkaline pH while maintaining enzymatic activity, which can be used in practice. The data obtained in this manuscript allow for the state of HEWL colloids and gold nanoparticles to be monitored using one or two simple and accessible optical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal plants have been used, in light of their responsiveness and wide availability, for the construction of a pioneering nanomaterial. In this study, a colloidal suspension of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was synthesized from an extract of Madhuca longifolia (ML) using chloroauric acid. For biomedical applications, Madhuca longifolia (ML) was used as a bioreductant as well as a capping agent The formed ML-GNPs were analyzed using different analytical techniques, antioxidant assays, and thiazolyl blue formazan assay against A549 cell lines to evaluate clinical relevance. They were further evaluated for their influence on antimicrobial activity using a disc diffusion test against two different microorganisms, Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus. The ML-GNPs produced had good antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The conformation of the XRD spectra with prominent characteristic planes was indexed to the face-centered cubic (fcc)-structured GNPs. Surface morphology analysis was used to determine the particle size of the GNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the samples were used to determine the analogs for strong H bonding. The MIC values of biogenic GNPs against both strains of Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus was calculated as 0.29 and 0.96 g/mL, respectively, and triclosan was considered as 0.4 and 2 g/mL, respectively. The findings of this study will be beneficial for future studies of the therapeutic potential of ML-GNPs. Actively, ML-GNPs can be a capable material for formulating nanomedicines after subsequent clinical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norovirus is one of the main pathogens causing acute gastroenteritis worldwide, and possesses rich genetic diversity. We established a simple, fast, and suitable colloidal gold immunochromatographic detection method for common epidemic strains of Norovirus. A pair of monoclonal antibodies that are sensitive to recognizing Norovirus was successfully screened and used as gold-labeled antibody and capture antibody, respectively. The assembly conditions of the test strip were optimized to determine the labeling pH, the concentration of capture antibody and concentration of AuNP-labeled antibody, then the performance of the strips, including sensitivity testing and specificity testing, was evaluated. The minimum detection concentration of the established Norovirus colloidal gold test strip detection method is 10 ng mL−1. This antibody has no cross-reactivity with HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H9N2), respiratory syncytial virus or Varicella zoster virus. The established colloidal gold detection method was used to analyze 11 fecal samples, and the results showed that only two samples were positive and the rest were negative, in agreement with the RT-PCR result. The whole colloidal gold test strip detection method process took 15 min, and could be used for on-site detection. The established colloidal gold test strip detection method has good specificity and stability, and can be used for the detection of common Norovirus strains and in large-scale epidemiological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Currently, there is increasing concern regarding the presence of cadmium ion (Cd2+) residues in Asparagus, necessitating the development of a rapid, sensitive and effective detection method. Immunochromatographic detection techniques offer a swift and efficient primary screening approach, significantly reducing labour and material resources compared to traditional detection methods. In this study, we aimed to construct and optimise an immunochromatographic test strip method for precise determination of Cd2+ content in Asparagus. To achieve this, monoclonal cadmium antibody (4A9) was prepared and conjugated with colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), latex microspheres (LM) and polydopamine (PDA) to create immunoprobes for test strip construction. We optimised key factors, such as probe parameters, strip assembly conditions and sample pretreatment methods. The sensitivity and detection capabilities of the three test strips were evaluated using actual Asparagus samples. The results demonstrated that all three immunochromatographic test strips exhibited high sensitivity, efficiency and rapidity in detecting Cd2+ levels in Asparagus. Notably, the LM‐based and PDA‐based test strips showed outstanding performance, with a visual limit of detection (vLOD) of 0.1 ng mL−1 and an elimination value of 2.0 ng mL−1. These findings underscore the promising potential of these test strips for practical cadmium detection in Asparagus samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, reliable, sensitive, and multiplex colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (CGIA) was developed for the simultaneous detection of three polyether ionophore antibiotics (PEs) in chicken muscle. The IC50 values of the optimized CGIA were 1.63, 1.94, and 1.18 ng/mL with a linear range of 0.87-3.04 ng/mL, 0.85-4.41 ng/mL, and 0.57-2.44 ng/mL for maduramicin (MAD), monensin (MON), and salinomycin (SAL), respectively. The cut-off values were 10, 5, and 5 ng/mL, respectively. The whole testing process was completed within 15 min. A parallel analysis in blind chicken muscle samples was conducted by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the developed CGIA did not appear false-positive and false-negative. The results show that the established method could provide a rapid and effective approach for on-site screening and determination of PEs residues in chicken muscle samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be described as nanozymes, species that are able to mimic the catalytic activities of several enzymes, such as oxidase/peroxidase, reductase, or catalase. Most studies in the literature focus on the colloidal suspension of AuNPs, and it is obvious that their immobilization could open the doors to new applications thanks to their increased stability in this state. This work aimed to investigate the behavior of surfaces covered by immobilized AuNPs (iAuNPs). Citrate-stabilized AuNPs (AuNPs-cit) were synthesized and immobilized on glass slides using a simple dip coating method. The resulting iAuNPs were characterized (surface plasmon resonance, microscopy, quantification of immobilized AuNPs), and their multi-enzymatic-like activities (oxidase-, peroxidase-, and catalase-like activity) were evaluated. The comparison of their activities versus AuNPs-cit highlighted their added value, especially the preservation of their activity in some reaction media, and their ease of reuse. The huge potential of iAuNPs for heterogeneous catalysis was then applied to the degradation of two model molecules of hospital pollutants: metronidazole and methylene blue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dot nanobeads (QBs) were used as signal source to develop competitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP). The quantitative detection of CAP was achieved by calculating the total color difference (∆E) values of the test line (T line) using the images of test strips. QB-based LFIA (QBs-LFIA) allowed the effective dynamic linear detection of CAP in the range of 0.1–1.5 ng/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) was 3.0 ng/mL, which was 50 and 667 times lower than those achieved for two different brands of colloidal gold kits. The recoveries of CAP during real-sample detection were 82.82–104.91% at spiked levels of 0.1, 0.7, and 1.5 ng/mL. These results indicate that the developed QBs-LFIA facilitates the sensitive detection of CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalised with hydrophilic thiols can be used as drug delivery probes, thanks to their small size and hydrophilic character. AuNPs possess unique properties for their use in nanomedicine, especially in cancer treatment, as diagnostics and therapeutic tools. Thiol functionalised AuNPs were synthesised and loaded with methotrexate (MTX). Spectroscopic and morphostructural characterisations evidenced the stability of the colloids upon interaction with MTX. Solid state (GISAXS, GIWAXS, FESEM, TEM, FTIR-ATR, XPS) and dispersed phase (UV–Vis, DLS, ζ-potential, NMR, SAXS) experiments allowed to understand structure-properties correlations. The nanoconjugate was tested in vitro (MTT assays) against two neuroblastoma cell lines: SNJKP and IMR5 with overexpressed n -Myc. Molar drug encapsulation efficiency was optimised to be >70%. A non-covalent interaction between the π system and the carboxylate moiety belonging to MTX and the charged aminic group of one of the thiols was found. The MTX loading slightly decreased the structural order of the system and increased the distance between the AuNPs. Free AuNPs showed no cytotoxicity whereas the AuNPs-MTX nanoconjugate had a more potent effect when compared to free MTX. The active role of AuNPs was evidenced by permeation studies: an improvement on penetration of the drug inside cells was evidenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vancomycin (VAN), a glycopeptide antibiotic, is the preferred therapeutic agent for treating Gram-positive bacteria. Rapid and precise quantification of VAN levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is crucial for optimized drug administration, particularly among elderly patients. Herein, we introduce a novel clinical test strip utilizing colloidal gold competitive immunoassay technology for the expedient detection of VAN. This test strip enables the detection of VAN concentrations in clinical samples such as plasma within 10 min and has a limit of detection of 10.3 ng/mL, with an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) value of 44.5 ng/mL. Furthermore, we used the test strip for pharmacokinetic analysis of VAN in the CSF and plasma of beagle dogs. Our results provide valuable insights into the fluctuations of the drug concentration in the CSF and plasma over a 24 h period after a single intravenous dose of 12 mg/kg. The test strip results were compared with the results obtained via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods, and the measured VAN concentrations in the CSF and plasma via both of the methods showed excellent agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low detection sensitivity of lateral-flow immunochromatography assay (LFIA) based on spherical gold nanoparticle (AuNP) limits its wide applications. In the present study, AuNP dimers with strong plasma scattering and robust signal output were synthesized via the Ag ion soldering (AIS) strategy and used as labeled probes in LFIA to boost the sensitivity without any extra operation process and equipment. The established LFIA exhibited high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.0 × 102 TCID50/mL for PEDV, which provides 50 times higher sensitivity than commercial LFIA based on spherical colloidal gold. In addition, the AuNP dimer–based LFIA showed strong specificity, good reproducibility, high stability, and good accordance to reverse transcription polymer chain reaction (RT-PCR) when detecting 109 clinical samples. Thus, the AuNP dimers is a promising probe for LFIA and the developed AuNP dimer–based LFIA is suitable for the rapid detection of PEDV in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in regulating the development and functioning of the brain. The aim of this work was to study the involvement of GABA contained in non-neuronal cells in the differentiation and maturation of rat neocortical grafts. Pieces of fetal somatosensory neocortex were transplanted into the acute cavity of the homotopic region of the cortex of adult male rats. 4 months after the operation, the histological and electron microscopic examinations of the grafts were performed. The grafts were well vascularized and consisted of neuronal and glial cells. The localization of GABA in non-neuronal cells was studied by an ultrastructural immunocytochemistry using antibodies conjugated with colloidal gold. The highest expression of immunolabels in the form of electron-dense globules ranging in size from 20 to 60–80 nm was found in protoplasmic astrocytes and their processes. The pericapillary astrocytic endfeets also contained GABA-positive granules. In addition, GABA-positive granules have been observed in some myelin-forming cells and in the endothelial wall of blood vessels. The results obtained showed that GABAergic signaling via non-neuronal cells is involved in the morphofunctional differentiation of the transplanted neocortical tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen detection is an indispensable tool for epidemic surveillance in the post-pandemic era. Faced with irregular performance, a comprehensive external quality assessment (EQA) scheme was conducted by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) to evaluate the analytical performance and status of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests. The EQA panel included ten lyophilized samples containing serial 5-fold dilutions of inactivated SARS-CoV-2-positive supernatants of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 strains and negative samples, which were classified into "validating" samples and "educational" samples. Data were analyzed according to qualitative results for each sample. A total of 339 laboratories in China participated in this EQA scheme, and 378 effective results were collected. All validating samples were correctly reported by 90.56 % (307/339) of the participants and 90.21 % (341/378) of the datasets. The positive percent agreement (PPA) was >99 % for samples with concentrations of 2 × 107 copies/mL but was 92.20 % (697/756) for 4 × 106 copies/mL and 25.26 % (382/1,512) for 8 × 105 copies/mL samples. Colloidal gold was the most frequently used (84.66 %, 320/378) but showed the lowest PPAs (57.11 %, 1,462/2,560) for positive samples compared with fluorescence immunochromatography (90 %, 36/40) and latex chromatography (79.01 %, 335/424). Among 11 assays used in more than 10 clinical laboratories, ACON showed a higher sensitivity than other assays. The EQA study can help to validate whether it's necessary to update antigen detection assays for manufacturers and provide participants with information about the performance of assays to take the first step toward routine post-market surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetics and mechanism of anodic oxidation of an Au electrode in a weakly basic aqueous solution of secondary diaminoalkanes (N1,N2-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine and piperazine) were studied by cyclic voltammetry and gravimetry. It was found using scanning and transmission electron microscopy that the oxidation products of the Au anode under galvanostatic conditions are reduced on the steel cathode with the formation of an electrolytic precipitate of Au(0), and colloidal gold nanoparticles of a round shape are formed in the diamine medium. The gold nanoparticles were of 2–7 nm (in the case of N1,N2-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine) or 4–15 nm (in the case of piperazine), and their number was significantly greater in an aqueous solution of piperazine than in a solution of the acyclic diamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that seriously affects the outcome of mothers and infants and lacks effective prediction and diagnosis methods. ELABELA is the second endogenous ligand of the apelin receptor (APJ) and is associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In a previous study, the authors found that the downregulation of ELABELA expression is closely related to late‐onset preeclampsia, which may be a marker for the clinical diagnosis of late‐onset preeclampsia. In this study, the authors again collected 120 maternal blood samples, including 60 pregnant women with a medical diagnosis of late‐onset preeclampsia. ELISA results showed that the serum ELABELA concentration in late‐onset preeclampsia pregnant women (12.57 ± 7.77 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in normal pregnant women (36.99 ± 23.58 ng/mL), which was consistent with previously reported results. Therefore, the authors used an ELABELA monoclonal antibody to label four colloidal gold nanoparticles with different diameters (15, 30, 55, and 150 nm) and developed a transverse‐flow immunochromatographic band for the rapid and accurate detection of serum ELABELA levels. The strip test shows that colloidal gold with a diameter of 30 nm can be used as a good ELABELA detection marker and had more than 90% positive detection effect. Therefore, the authors hope that the colloidal gold strip with ELABELA as the diagnostic index developed by us will be popularized and applied in clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides play an important role in improving the yield and quality of agricultural products, but the irregular use of pesticides lead to excessive pesticide residues, which poses potential risks to people, livestock and the environment. For rapid monitoring of pesticide residues, rapid detection methods such as enzyme inhibition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colloidal gold immune chromatography, and biosensor have been widely used. Among them, optical sensors have attracted much attention for their high sensitivity and selectivity in the precise recognition and detection of pesticide molecules. This paper mainly introduces the precise recognition of pesticides by antibodies, aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers, and metal-organic frameworks. The application of optical sensor based pesticide molecule identification technology in pesticide residue detection were reviewed from five aspects: colorimetry, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance. The advantages, disadvantages, and development trend of the optical sensor based precise recognition technology for pesticide molecules was also summarized and prospected. This article provides a reference for the development of rapid detection technology for precise identification of pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural changes of the human telomeric d(TTAGGG)4 sequence (Tel24) in the presence of sodium ions and urea were studied using SERS spectroscopy. The SERS spectra indicated that Tel24 (4 × 10−5 mol/l) formed an anti‐parallel G‐quadruplex in a medium containing Na+ ions (100 mmol/l), which was disrupted by the subsequent addition of urea (7.2 mol/l). Intensity ratios of SERS bands originating from breathing vibrations of adenine (~730 cm−1) and guanine (~660 cm−1) rings clearly pointed to the urea‐induced unfolding of G‐quadruplex. In addition, SERS bands assigned to guanine implied the breaking of Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds, most likely due to the bonding of guanine bases with the urea molecules. Considering various experimental conditions applied, the structure‐related SERS response was more pronounced in the silver than in the gold colloid as well as upon NIR (785 nm) rather than Vis (532 nm) laser excitation. The CD spectra of the same colloidal samples supported structural changes of Tel24 obtained by SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) is the main pathogen of koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), which has caused serious damage to the ornamental and food‐producing carp industry. Effective and rapid on‐site detection methods are needed for early diagnosis of CyHV‐3. A lateral flow immuno‐chromatographic assay (LFIA) using two specific anti‐CyHV‐3 monoclonal antibodies has been developed and validated for on‐site detection of CyHV‐3. MAb 3C9 was used to bio‐conjugate CyHV‐3 antigen with colloidal gold, and MAb 2A8 was used to capture antigen bound colloidal gold on the test line. The control line was lined with goat anti‐mouse IgG to capture unbound colloidal gold to validate performance. The test results can be viewed within 10 min after putting the strip into CyHV‐3 virus infection fluid. The lowest limit of detection for the LFIA test was found to be 1.5 × 104 copies/μL and it showed no cross‐reactivity with other fish viral pathogens. The specificity of the strip was 100% when spleen and kidney tissues of CyHV‐3‐infected and healthy koi were validated at the field level. The LFIA strip will be an effective device for the early detection of CyHV‐3 in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly purified and bioactive immunoglobulin G monoclonal antibody against receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 (RBD-IgG-MAb) has been accurately quantified by amino acid determination using isotope dilution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Absolute quantification of RBD-IgG-MAb was achieved by averaging 4 amino acid certified reference materials, which allows the quantitative value (66.1 ± 5.8 μg/L) to be traced to SI unit (mol). Afterwards, the RBD-IgG-MAb was employed as control and calibration compound for the development of a point-of-care testing (POCT) system based on colloidal gold lateral flow immunoassay, which aimed to rapidly and accurately detect the level of protective RBD-IgG after vaccination. Under the detection parameters, a sigmoidal curve has been plotted between signal intensity and the logarithmic concentration for quantitative detection with the limit of detection of about 0.39 μg/mL. The relative standard deviations of intra-assay and inter-assay were lower than 2.3% and 14%, and the recoveries ranged from 87 to 100%, respectively. Fingertip blood samples from 37 volunteers after vaccination were analyzed by the POCT system; results showed that levels of RBD-IgG in 33 out of 37 samples ranged from 0.45 to 2.46 μg/mL with the average level of 0.91 μg/mL. The developed POCT system has been successfully established with the quantity-traceability RBD-IgG-MAb as control and calibration compound, and the scientific contribution of this work can be promoted to other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical significance of serum pepsinogen (PG) for screening gastric cancer has been a controversial topic. Serum PG I levels have been demonstrated to be correlated with age, sex, and the Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. However, the underlying factors that influence serum PG I variations remain to be fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the impacts of sex and body mass index (BMI) on PG I in Chinese population. The cross-sectional study recruited 4,299 apparently healthy participants in Fujian Province. Serum PG levels were automatically measured using ELISA method. Serum H. pylori-IgG antibody was detected by the colloidal gold immunoassay. Clinical characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Totally, 2,263 participants who had tests of serum PG and anti-HP IgG antibody were enrolled. Increased BMI and serum uric acid were observed in males with low PG I value (<70 μg/L). Multiple logistic regression showed the presence of overweight was the independent risk factor for male participants with low PG I level (odds ratio [OR] 1.519; p=0.017). However, the association was not found in females. Sex-specific association of serum low PG I with overweight was observed in the southeast coastal areas of China. Thus, effects of sexual dimorphism should not be ignored during the clinical utilization of serum PG I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium ions (Cd2+) are some of the major pollutants in oilfield chemicals. To reduce the pollution of oilfield chemicals, it is necessary to detect and control the content of Cd2+. In this study, we synthesized a highly sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody against Cd2+ with an IC50 of 1.97 ng mL−1 and no cross-reactivity. Based on this antibody, a colloidal gold immunoassay strip detection assay with an IC50 of 1 mg kg−1 and a detection range of 1.0–20 mg kg−1 in oilfield chemicals was developed. This assay could be completed in 20 min and can be used for Cd2+ on-site testing in oilfield chemicals and improve supervision efficiency in oil exploration and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunochromatographic assay (ICA) plays an important role in in vitro diagnostics because of its simpleness, convenience, fastness, sensitivity, accuracy, and low cost. The employment of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), possessing both excellent optical properties and magnetic separation functions, can effectively promote the performances of ICA. In this study, an ICA based on MNPs (MNP–ICA) has been successfully developed for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The magnetic probes were prepared by covalently conjugating carboxylated MNPs with the specific monoclonal antibody against CEA, which were not only employed to enrich and extract CEA from serum samples under an external magnetic field but also used as a signal output with its inherent optical property. Under the optimal parameters, the limit of detection (LOD) for qualitative detection with naked eyes was 1.0 ng/mL, and the quantitative detection could be realized with the help of a portable optical reader, indicating that the ratio of optical signal intensity correlated well with CEA concentration ranging from 1.0 ng/mL to 64.0 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9997). Additionally, method comparison demonstrated that the magnetic probes were beneficial for sensitivity improvement due to the matrix effect reduction after magnetic separation, and the MNP–ICA is eight times higher sensitive than ICA based on colloidal gold nanoparticles. The developed MNP–ICA will provide sensitive, convenient, and efficient technical support for biomarkers rapid screening in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is an acute and highly infectious virus causing disease in puppies and, thus, affecting the global dog industry. The current CPV detection methods are limited by their sensitivity and specificity. Hence, the current study sought to develop a rapid, sensitive, simple, and accurate immunochromatographic (ICS) test to detect and control the spread and prevalence of CPV infection. More specifically, 6A8, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with high specificity and sensitivity, was obtained by preliminary screening. The 6A8 antibody was labelled with colloidal gold particles. Subsequently, 6A8 and goat anti-mouse antibodies were coated onto a nitrocellulose membrane (NC) as the test and control lines, respectively. Furthermore, 6A8 and rabbit IgG antibodies were labelled with fluorescent microspheres and evenly sprayed onto a glass fibre membrane. Both strips could be prepared in 15 min with no noticeable cross-reactivity with other common canine intestinal pathogens. The strips were simultaneously used to detect CPV in 60 clinical samples using real-time quantitative PCR, hemagglutination, and hemagglutination inhibition assays. The colloidal gold (fluorescent) ICS test strip was stable for 6 (7) and 4 (5) months at 4 °C and room temperature (18–25 °C). Both test strips were easy to prepare and rapidly detected CPV with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the results were easily interpretable. This study establishes a simple method for two CPV diseases, colloidal gold and fluorescent immunochromatographic (ICS) test strips. Key points: • CPV test strips do not exhibit cross-reactivity with other canine intestinal pathogens. • The strips are stable for months at 4 °C and at room temperature (18–25 °C). • These strips are a promising approach for the timely diagnosis and treatment of CPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold particle probes are an essential electron microscopy tool to examine protein localisation, as well as protein trafficking. They can be introduced into living cells when conjugated to a protein that is endocytosed or to an antibody against a cell surface protein. Alternatively, gold particles can be introduced into fixed cells or tissue when conjugated to antibodies, immunoglobulin binding molecules or chemical probes applied to permeabilised samples or electron microscopy sections. Colloidal gold particles that have not been enlarged through chemical (gold or silver) enhancement are typically spherical and can be prepared in a range of specific sizes, allowing multiple proteins to be localised within a single sample. The typically homogeneous shape and size of the colloidal gold makes them ideal for computer assisted detection and analysis. Here we demonstrate a program developed to automatically identify two sizes of gold particle and perform a range of analyses that includes (i) distribution and cluster analysis; (ii) selection and analysis of gold particles allocated close to or either side of a membrane; (iii) measurement of organelle size; (iv) estimation of the number of gold particles within an aggregate and (v) the detection of chemically enhanced irregular sized and shaped gold particles. We show this easy-to-use program can greatly assist electron microscopists, to reliably and efficiently analyse gold particles within their images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among patients in Guangzhou city, South China, and to identify susceptible patient populations and analyze the causes of infection differences. Methods: From May 2020 to May 2022, a total of 637 sera were collected from patients, and 205 sera were collected from health participants as health control. All sera were examined by colloidal gold kits to detect the positivity of antibodies against T. gondii. And the positivity of antibodies in sera was confirmed with ARCHITECT i2000SR system. Results: The prevalence of T. gondii infection in patients was 7.06% (45/637), which was lower than the prevalence in health participants 4.88% (10/205). Among patients, 34 (5.34%) were positive only for IgG, 10 (1.57%) were only for IgM, and 1 (0.16%) was positive for both IgG and IgM. There was a significant difference in prevalence between male and female patients, but not among different age groups or diseases groups. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in diseases groups varied. The prevalence was relatively high in patients with the disorders of thyroid gland and the malignant neoplasms of digestive organs, which suggests that caution should be taken to avoid T. gondii infection in these patients. Surprisingly, the prevalence was quite low in diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBC) patients. This may be due to the overexpression of TNF-α in tumor tissues of DLBC patients and the higher protein level of TNF-α in sera of DLBC patients. Conclusion: This study provides a systematic exploration of the prevalence of T. gondii infection in patients in a tertiary hospital. Our data contributes to a better understanding of the epidemic investigation of T. gondii among patients in South China, which can help the prevention and treatment of the disease caused by T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have found a variety of applications in different areas, particularly in biomedical practices. The activity of Au NPs strongly depends on the size and association of particles in colloid, that in turn are greatly affected by experimental parameters of the reaction. The obtaining of Au NPs even via classical procedure of citrate method can be a challenge. In the present work we applied different experimental approaches to affect the process of Au NPs formation in the presence of sodium citrate. Au NPs were obtained using different experimental procedures and varying the ratio of reagents, their concentrations, temperature of reaction, duration of heating, the order of introduction of reagents into the reaction mixture, pH, and so on. Comparative analyses of UV-vis spectra with DLS data by number, volume and intensity basis allowed to trace the changes in Au NPs colloid, find optimal experimental conditions and predict prolonged stability of colloids. Applying size-dependent Hamaker constant to DLVO theory explains experimental results. The formation of Au NPs strongly depends on the ratio of the functional groups of the molecule involved simultaneously in the reduction of metal ions, the binding to the surface of Au NPs and the formation of a charge for stabilization due to electrostatic repulsion. The change in the ratio of components is not enough to get a different size of Au NPs. Big concentration of the reagents mostly affects the aggregation process and colloid aging. Temperature is a critical activation factor, that should be about 100 °C, but prolonged heating causes collision induced aggregation. The initial stage of particles growth (the mechanism) can be affected with the change of pH of the system due to formation of deprotonated carboxyl groups and gold hydroxocomplexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma-based sputtering onto liquids (SoL) is a straightforward approach for synthesizing small metal nanoparticles (NPs) without additional stabilizing reagents. In this work, nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 was used for the first time as a host liquid for the SoL process and the production of colloidal solutions of gold, silver and copper NPs was demonstrated. The average diameter of spherical Au NPs lies in the range from 2.6 to 5.5 nm depending on the conditions. The approach presented here opens the pathway to the production of concentrated dispersions of metal NPs of high purity that can be dispersed in water for future usage, therefore extending further the reach of this synthesis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]