Kidney Cancer Test Using Antibodies
Donation protected
The goal of our senior design project is to create a colorimetric biosensor to detect a biomarker specific to Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) via a urine test. We are conjugating antibodies to gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) in order to detect urine Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), which are highly concentrated in patients with RCC.
The test will use a Lateral Flow Assay Architecture with AuNPs conjugated to AQP1 antibodies as the form of colorimetric detection. Much like a pregnancy test, only a few drops of urine will be needed for this test. Untreated urine can be applied directly to the assay, and will begin to flow through the system. Any AQP1 that is present in the sample will come into contact with the antibody-AuNP conjugates and bind (see figure). As the flow continues, any newly formed AQP1-antibody-AuNPs will come into contact with the test line and bind to the antibodies there, creating a visible line. Any antibody-AuNP conjugates that come into contact with the control line will also bind there, regardless of the presence of AQP1. Patients will be able to see the amount of AQP1 in their urine via a colored line at the end of the Lateral Flow Assay. This will also offer health care professionals a noninvasive, fast, and cheap method to use as the first step in diagnosis. Early detection of RCC can increase survival rate and promote faster recovery, so we hope to make this project a reality very soon.
The test will use a Lateral Flow Assay Architecture with AuNPs conjugated to AQP1 antibodies as the form of colorimetric detection. Much like a pregnancy test, only a few drops of urine will be needed for this test. Untreated urine can be applied directly to the assay, and will begin to flow through the system. Any AQP1 that is present in the sample will come into contact with the antibody-AuNP conjugates and bind (see figure). As the flow continues, any newly formed AQP1-antibody-AuNPs will come into contact with the test line and bind to the antibodies there, creating a visible line. Any antibody-AuNP conjugates that come into contact with the control line will also bind there, regardless of the presence of AQP1. Patients will be able to see the amount of AQP1 in their urine via a colored line at the end of the Lateral Flow Assay. This will also offer health care professionals a noninvasive, fast, and cheap method to use as the first step in diagnosis. Early detection of RCC can increase survival rate and promote faster recovery, so we hope to make this project a reality very soon.
Organizer
David Narel
Organizer
Santa Cruz, CA
