Dual-Mode Lateral Flow Strip with Förster Resonance Energy Transfer for Rapid and Accurate Thrombin Detection

Qi Chen; Li Yao; Wei Qu; Haoyang Xu; Chao Yan; Jianguo Xu; Wei Chen

Abstract

Thrombin, a serine protease, is a critical biomarker for blood-related diseases, with its serum levels playing a key role in clinical diagnosis. In this study, we developed a dual-aptamer-based, dual-mode Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) lateral flow strip for the rapid and sensitive detection of thrombin. Quantum dots (QDs) were employed as the energy donor, while gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) served as the acceptor. Upon thrombin binding, the colorimetric signal from AuNPs and the fluorescent signal from QDs exhibited distinct variations, each acting as an independent indicator for precise quantification. Using this dual-mode FRET lateral flow strip, thrombin was successfully detected in serum samples, achieving a fluorescence-based detection limit of 0.135 nM-twice as sensitive as the colorimetric method. The integration of FRET and lateral flow strip technologies provides a robust platform for precise biomarker detection and significantly enhances the performance of colorimetric assays.

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