Liquid crystal-based immunoassays for detecting hepatitis B antibody

Abstract: Conventional immunoassays are often fluorescence- or enzyme-based and require additional readout systems. Here, we report a liquid crystal (LC)-based immunoassay that features a new signal transduction mechanism, whereby the test results appear as colorful spots and can be viewed with the naked eye directly. By using the different colors of LC spots, we can estimate the range of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen concentrations between 300 and 15nM. Because additional labeling process and readout systems are not required in this immunoassay, it is more suitable for point-of-care diagnosis of hepatitis B in resource-limited regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]