Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Antibody Conjugates in Bioanalytical Applications

Improvements in bioanalytical technologies are driven by evolving threats and challenges to the global community. These challenges include emerging diseases, the need for substance screening and increasing environmental pollution. Here, we present a new bioanalytical concept that employs nanosized Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) particles as labels for antibody-based analytical methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). A strategy for covalently linking antibodies to form stable, colloidal Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) conjugates is described. The proof of principle for their use in LFIA is presented. In particular, ZIF-antibody conjugates displayed excellent behaviour in dispersion and good mobility via lateral flow on a solid substrate while retaining full selectivity of the antibody. Moreover, protein aggregation of the antibodies was prevented, suggesting protection against degradation in an exoskeleton-like manner. Our study could inspire future work to address global bioanalytical and diagnostic challenges.