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Rapid Vertical Flow Immunoassay Capable of Advancing Point of Care Diagnostics by Amplifying Underutilized Signals via Site-Specific Assembly of Antibody and Augmented Plasmonic Coupling

Award Number: R15EB039339
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/25/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/24/2029

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Rapid Vertical Flow Immunoassay Capable of Advancing Point of Care Diagnostics by Amplifying Underutilized Signals via Site-Specific Assembly of Antibody and Augmented Plasmonic Coupling - PROJECT SUMMARY Improvements in infectious disease prevention and management may be achieved through better diagnostics. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests are poised to make the greatest impact, yet despite substantial effort, current approaches suffer from limited analytical sensitivity resulting in poor diagnostic accuracy. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based rapid vertical flow assay (RVFA) suitable for POC testing that provides requisite sensitivity and multiplexing capacity as an advanced strategy for disease intervention. The central hypothesis is that site-specific immobilization of antibodies (Ab) on structurally regulated nanoparticles (NPs) and controlled assembly of plasmonic particles will significantly improve RVFA performance by enhancing the selective extraction of targeted antigens (Ag), maximizing SERS signal, and enabling simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers. Our rationale for these studies is that successful completion would provide the scientific foundation for the development of new platform technologies critically needed for disease management. Driven by compelling preliminary data, we will test our hypothesis and progress toward our long-term research goal by completing three specific Aims. In Aim 1, we will explore a unique chemo-enzymatic approach to selectively localize and orient the capture Ab on plasmonic paper, which will result in all Ag being properly positioned between plasmonic NPs to maximize the SERS signal. In Aim 2, we will complete the SERS analysis of augmented plasmonic NP assemblies driven by Ab-Ag interactions using plasmonic NPs to amplify signal enhancement. In Aim 3, we will demonstrate the simultaneous quantitation of two Ag in a multiplexed assay, establish quantitative metrics, and benchmark analytical performance to a conventional ELISA or lateral flow assay. This work represents an innovative approach to greatly improve the sensitivity of underutilized biomarkers by engineering plasmonic architectures and configurationally manipulating bioconjugate chemistry. Overall, these important features will be central to the culminating bioanalytical platform that addresses the need for high sensitivity, reduced assay time, ease of use, and multiplexing capability. The project is significant because it leads to generalized design principles to enable precise control of antibody immobilization and leverages strategic plasmonic assemblies that will streamline development of rapid and more sensitive diagnostic platform, positively impacting disease management. In addition to the scientific agenda, a significant aspect of this proposed work is student learning and development through unique hands-on and intensely focused research opportunities.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $553,931 )
2026	2026	BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY	CAMPUS BOX 1100	NORMAL	IL	61790	MCLEAN	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	8/21/2026	NEW	$553,931
														Subtotal = $553,931

Grand Total All Awards = $553,931

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Rapid Vertical Flow Immunoassay Capable of Advancing Point of Care Diagnostics by Amplifying Underutilized Signals via Site-Specific Assembly of Antibody and Augmented Plasmonic Coupling

Award Number: R15EB039339

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/25/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/24/2029

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