OBJECTIVETo develop a new method to detect anti-Hantavirus IgG antibodies (HV IgG) based on quantum dots (QDs) and indirect immune technique.

METHODSThe carbodiimide crosslinking method was used to couple protein G and goat antihuman IgG on the surface of water-solubility QDs. The coverglass covered HV antigen was used as carrier, and QDs-PG-IgG conjugates was used as labeled second antibody to detect the HV-IgG in the serum samples. The detecting conditions were optimized.

RESULTSThe optimum reaction time, pH and goat antihuman IgG concentration for conjugating the QDs with goat antihuman IgG were 6.0, 2h, and 20 microg/ml, respectively. The optimum working dilution of QDs-PG-IgG conjugates was 1: 200. The detection limit of the serum samples was about 1: 1280 dilution.

CONCLUSIONThe method established in this study has been demonstrated to be a specific, sensitive, rapid test for detecting HV antibodies, laying the foundation of single molecule detection. The anti-fluorescence quenching ability of this method was significant improved.