Dendrimeric antigen–silica particle composites: an innovative approach for IgE quantification

Abstract

Dendrimeric antigens (DeAn), which are synthetic antigens where the role of the carrier protein is performed by a dendrimer, were supported on silica particles to assemble DeAn@SiO₂ composites. These organic–inorganic hybrid materials were carefully characterized and the preparation methodology was confirmed to be highly reproducible. DeAn@SiO₂ containing the allergenic determinant amoxicillin (AXO) proved effective in detecting and quantifying IgE in sera from patients allergic to amoxicillin, in a specific and selective way. This new material is thus a promising candidate for improving in vitro clinical diagnostic practice.