Nanoparticles-based detection of metalloproteinase

• Main Author: Chua, Kellyn Jia Ling
• Other Authors: Bo Liedberg
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Materials
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/138877
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

A group of matrix metalloproteinase, MMPs, can be used as cancer indicators, of which, a subset of the family known as MMP-7, also known as matrilysin, are used to flag out and detect numerous forms of cancer such as gastrointestinal cancer or oral cancer to name a few. As cancer is a common illness that affect the life of many, it is of utmost importance that it is detected earlier in order to reduce the overall mortality rate. Current assays used in the detection of MMP-7 could be difficult to use and time-consuming, hence, it is essential to develop a user compliant assay that is able to produce accurate results within a short time frame. In this report, colorimetric detection of metalloproteinase (MMP-7) via peptide functionalized nanoparticles membrane assay has been developed. Two substrates, namely JR2EC and JR2EKLIAC, were functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and alloy nanoparticles (Au0.8Ag0.2NPs) respectively. Comparison of aggregation activity between the functionalized nanoparticles were then made via SPR-based assay, with Au0.8Ag0.2NP-JR2EC shown to reflect the best aggregation activity upon addition of MMP-7. The particles were then immobilized on paper membranes. Digital images were extracted to perform an RGB analysis after the addition of MMP-7. Results indicate that a colorimetric change could indeed be observed. Specificity tests were also conducted to show the specificity of the assay to MMP-7. Limit of detection (LOD) of assay was also calculated to be 8.5µg/mL, which could be potentially reduced further via an optimization of particles.