Preparation of QDs@SiO2/Polystyrene Composite Particles for Cancer Cells Detection

We report a sandwich immunoassay strategy for specific isolation and detection of cancer cells. Prostate cancer LNCaP cells overexpressing PSMA (Prostate-specific membrane antigen) were used as the model target to evaluate the performance of immunoassay. Inorganic/polymer nanocomposites with Janus-like structure and enhanced fluorescence properties were synthesized and applied for immobilization of QDs and the antibodies. PSMA antibodies were covalently conjugated to the QDs@SiO2/PS Janus-like composite nanoparticles to construct the fluorescent probes. Magnetic probes conjugated with polyclonal antibodies were used to capture and isolate the cancer cells. Results indicated high potential of the unique nanoprobes in specific isolation and detection of cancer cells.