In fluorescence-based assays, the autofluorescence of capture surfaces produces strong background noise. Here, photobleaching is used as a novel method to reduce the autofluorescence of magnetic beads, a commonly used capture surface. The technique yields a threefold improvement in the limit of detection and signal-to-noise ratio of a fluorescence-based immunoassay.
This is reported by Shira Roth, Orr Hadass, Meir Cohen, Jasenka Verbarg, Jennifer Wilsey, and Amos Danielli in their article: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201803751
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