Magnetic Nanotag-based Immunoassay for Multiplex Mycotoxin and Protein Detection

Rapid, sensitive and multiplexed measurement is vital in molecular diagnostics such as cancer diagnosis and pathogens detection. By combining the superior specificity of immunoassays with the sensitivity and simplicity of magnetic detection, we have developed a novel multiplex magnetic nanotag-based detection platform for cancer biomarkers and mycotoxins at sub-picomolar concentration level. Magnetic biosensors use superparamagnetic nanoparticles as labels in the detection of biomolecules. Unlike fluorescent labels, magnetic nanotags (MNTs) can be detected with inexpensive giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors such as spin-valve sensors. Antibody-immobilized sensor array prior to the addition of the biotinylated detection antibody. The sensor response to the addition of streptavidin-linked MNTs is recorded in real time. Here we demonstrate the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, zearalenone and HT-2) and show that a detection limit of 50 pg/mL can be achieved.