A quantum dots and superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based method for the detection of HPV DNA

Background: The recent advance in nanomaterial research field prompts the development of diagnostics of infectious diseases greatly. Many nanomaterials have been developed and applied to molecular diagnostics in labs. At present, the diagnostic test of human papillomavirus (HPV) relies exclusively on molecular test. Hereon, we report a rapid and facile quantum dots (QDs) and superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based hybridization assay for the detection of (HPV) 16 infections which combines the merits of superparamagnetic nanoparticles and QDs and wholly differs from a conventional hybridization assay at that the reaction occurs at homogeneous solution, and total time for detection is no more than 1 h. Methods: The probes were labeled with superparamagnetic nanoparticles and QDs. Sixty cervical swab samples were used to perform a hybridization assay with these probes, and the results were compared with type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The statistic analysis suggests that there is no significant difference between these two methods. Furthermore, this method is much quicker and easier than the type-specific PCR method. Conclusion: This study has successfully validated the clinical performance of our hybridization assay. The advantages in the time of detection and ease of process endow this method with great potential in clinical usage, especially mass epidemiological screening.