Recently, Dr. Jiang Wei and Dr. Wang Quan in Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SVRI) of CAAS, reported a novel dynamic flow immunochromatographic test using gold nanoparticles for the serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats. Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide endemic disease caused by T. gondii, a parasite that infects a broad spectrum of vertebrate hosts, including humans. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) has become a well-established and accepted point-of-care testing technique. However, considerable efforts still need to be made to improve ICT in the areas of manufacturing processes, sample volume requirements and production costs.

The research team developed a novel method based on a proprietary technology that combines the principles of immunochromatography and fluid dynamics. The introduction of a liquid gold nanoparticle conjugate reagent provides this method with several attractive characteristics, such as ease of manufacture, high selectivity and high efficiency. A high degree of consistency was observed between the DFICT and the standard ELISA kit, supporting the reliability of the novel test strip. The test strip has the advantages of speed, simplicity (i.e., no need to prepare the conjugated and sample pads), ease of use (i.e., not requirement for highly skilled laboratory technicians or sophisticated equipment), and low requirements for serum sample volume (5μL) without the need for sample processing. The newly developed method represents an innovative and improved option for rapid diagnostic tests.

The results of the study have been published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics on 16 April 2015 available here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25978441. This research was mainly funded by two projects: Basic Foundation for Scientific Research of State-level Public Welfare Institutes of China (Grant No. 2013JB10), and the National Special Research Programs for Non-Profit Trades (Agriculture) (Grant No. 201303045).