Development of localized surface plasmon resonance biosensor for COVID‑19 antibodies in blood
This project aims to use a benchtop localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) instrument to develop an assay for simultaneous detection of the corresponding IgG and IgM antibodies from blood. Compared to the detection of viral protein or RNA, the detection of blood antibodies has a number of advantages such as longer detection window and understanding the immune response. We will use the spike protein from the COVID‑19 virus and immobilize it on gold nanoparticles to produce sensors containing three separate spots for IgG, IgM and control, respectively, and use a microfluidic system to deliver the samples. We will carefully determine the detection limit of both IgG and IgM and will explore signal amplification methods if necessary. This method can be made into a highly accurate high throughput assay, and the industry partner, Nicoya Lifesciences, will commercialize this assay. This project will increase Canada’s expertise in detecting COVID‑19 infection.
