Development and Clinical Testing of a Nanoparticles-Embed/Immobilized Test Paper for Paraquat Intoxication

Background. Paraquat poisoning is characterized by multi-organ failure and pulmonary fibrosis with respiratory failure, resulting in high mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis may save the life of a paraquat patient. Conventional paraquat intoxication diagnostic methods, such as symptom review and urine sodium dithionite assay, are time-consuming and impractical in resource-scarce areas where most intoxication cases occur. Objective. In this project, we will investigate the enzyme-mimic activity of hollow alloyed nanostructures. Combining with colorimetry analysis and cotton-based devices, the metal nanostructures are utilized for novel urine-detecting devices with low cost (＜ 1 New Taiwan Dollar/piece), rapid detection (＜ 10 min), high sensitivity, and long shelf life. We will employ nanoimprinting techniques and self-assembly of nanoparticles, for the construction of nanoparticles-embed/immobilized test papers for the detection of paraquat in urines. Experimental design. Herein, we replace the natural enzymes commonly employed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the metal nanostructures, due to their high specific-surface-area, high catalytic-activity, high stability, and low fabrication-cost, for the enhancement of sensitivity and air stability of urine detection. In the first year of this project, the metal nanostructures will be utilized to catalyze the reduction reaction of paraquat (light yellow) to a complex with a strong blue color, which also can be used to determinate the paraquat concentration through the colorimetry. Then, we will systematically investigate the kinetic involved in the reactions and optimize the nanoparticles by varying their composition, size, shell thickness, porosity, and concentration. Next, we will prepare nanomaterial-based test papers via nanoimprinting and self-assembly and combine with a low-cost, easy-to-use optical image recording system (e.g., scanners or smartphones), to develop a point-of-care urine diagnosis device. For the second year, we will examine the reliability of the optimized nanomaterial-based sensing devices with the real urine specimens, which will be collected from the patients of Chang Gang Memorial Hospital.

Project ID:PB10707-0489
External Project ID:MOST107-2221-E182-059