Single C-reactive protein molecule detection on a gold-nanopatterned chip based on total internal reflection fluorescence

Abstract

Single C-reactive protein (CRP) molecules, which are non-specific acute phase markers and products of the innate immune system, were quantitatively detected on a gold-nanopatterned biochip using evanescent fieldenhanced fluorescence imaging. The 4 × 5 gold-nanopatterned biochip (spot diameter of 500 nm) was fabricated by electron beam nanolithography. Unlabeled CRP molecules in human serum were identified with single-molecule sandwich immunoassay by detecting secondary fluorescence generated by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. With decreased standard CRP concentrations, relative fluorescence intensities reduced in the range of 33.3 zM-800 pM. To enhance fluorescence intensities in TIRF images, the distance between biochip surface and CRP molecules was optimally adjusted by considering the quenching effect of gold and the evanescent field intensity. As a result, TIRF only detected one single-CRP molecule on the biochip the first time.