Decorated DNA‐Based Scaffolds as Lateral Flow Biosensors

Abstract

AbstractHere we develop Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) that employ as functional elements DNA‐based structures decorated with reporter tags and recognition elements. We have rationally re‐engineered tile‐based DNA tubular structures that can act as scaffolds and can be decorated with recognition elements of different nature (i.e. antigens, aptamers or proteins) and with orthogonal fluorescent dyes. As a proof‐of‐principle we have developed sandwich and competitive multiplex lateral flow platforms for the detection of several targets, ranging from small molecules (digoxigenin, Dig and dinitrophenol, DNP), to antibodies (Anti‐Dig, Anti‐DNP and Anti‐MUC1/EGFR bispecific antibodies) and proteins (thrombin). Coupling the advantages of functional DNA‐based scaffolds together with the simplicity of LFAs, our approach offers the opportunity to detect a wide range of targets with nanomolar sensitivity and high specificity.