Synthesis, Modification, Characterization and Bioanalytical Applications of Aptamer-Gold Nanoconjugates

This thesis describes rapid, facile, selective, and specific solution and surface-based assays for the detection of proteins. Specifically, thrombin is used in both as a model system in conjunction with aptamer-gold nanoconjugates. The solution-based method utilizes Dynamic Light Scattering Spectroscopy (DLSS) as a method to detect increases in hydrodynamic diameter size of the conjugates. In the surface-based method, lateral flow technology is applied in conjunction with the aptamer-gold nanoconjugates to show both positive and control lines on the novel bound glass test strip. Both of these assays have significant biomedical and chemical applications