A liposome-PCR assay for the ultrasensitive detection of biological toxins

We describe an ultrasensitive immunoassay for detecting biotoxins that uses liposomes with encapsulated DNA reporters, and ganglioside receptors embedded in the bilayer, as a detection reagent. After immobilization of the target biotoxin by a capture antibody and co-binding of the detection reagent, the liposomes are ruptured to release the reporters, which are quantified by real-time PCR. Assays for cholera and botulinum toxins are several orders of magnitude more sensitive than current detection methods.