Lanthanide nanoparticles as ultra-sensitive luminescent probes for quantitative PSA detection via lateral flow assays

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test serving as a cornerstone for its monitoring and early detection. This study describes the development and evaluation of an innovative quantitative lateral flow assay (LFA) utilizing luminescence from Bright-Dtech™ lanthanide nanoparticles to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of PSA measurement. The optimized LFA demonstrated high sensitivity and reproducibility, with a detection limit of 15 pg mL⁻¹ in buffer (120 pg mL⁻¹ in 1 : 8 diluted serum), and a quantifiable range of 0.155 to 27.5 ng mL⁻¹ in buffer (1.24 to 221 ng mL⁻¹ in 1 : 8 diluted serum). This method was successfully applied for PSA detection in clinical serum samples, and it showed excellent correlation with a quantitative diagnostic reference method. The developed LFA offers a significant advancement in quantitative PSA testing, providing a rapid and cost-effective in vitro diagnostic solution. Furthermore, it showcases the potential of Bright-Dtech™ technology in lateral flow test design. With exceptional brightness and long luminescence lifetime, lanthanide nanoparticles effectively address key challenges in LFA sensitivity and quantification, paving the way for broader applications in diagnostic testing.