Gold Nanoprobes for Detection of a Crucial EGFR Deletion for Early Diagnosis of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

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Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit improved optical and spectral properties compared to bulk materials, making them suitable for the detection of DNA, RNA, antigens, and antibodies. Here, we describe a simple, selective, and rapid non-cross linking detection assay, using approx. 35 nm spherical Au nanoprobes, for a common mutation occurring in exon 19 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), associated with non-small-cell lung cancer cells. AuNPs were synthesized based on the seed-mediated growth method and functionalized with a specific 16 bp thiolated oligonucleotide using a pH-assisted method. Both AuNPs and Au nanoprobes proved to be highly stable and monodisperse through ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS). Our results indicate a detection limit of 1.5 µg mL−1 using a 0.15 nmol dm−3 Au nanoprobe concentration. In conclusion, this work presents an effective possibility for a straightforward, fast, and inexpensive alternative for the detection of DNA sequences related to lung cancer, leading to a potential platform for early diagnosis of lung cancer patients.
Funding Information
  • Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT-MCTES) (UIDP/04378/2020, UIDB/04378/2020, UIDB/50006/2020, UIDP/50006/2020, LA/P/0140/2020, REQUIMTE 2022-06)
  • LAQV (UIDP/04378/2020, UIDB/04378/2020, UIDB/50006/2020, UIDP/50006/2020, LA/P/0140/2020, REQUIMTE 2022-06)
  • Erasmus+: Erasmus Mundus Program of the European Union (UIDP/04378/2020, UIDB/04378/2020, UIDB/50006/2020, UIDP/50006/2020, LA/P/0140/2020, REQUIMTE 2022-06)

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