Quantum Dots for Quantitative Multiplex strips test for Folate and Surrogate Metabolites.

Our goal is to develop easy1to use, inexpensive, and sensitive quantum dots(QDs) or quantum dots nano beads (QDnBs or QDBs) based rapid diagnostic strip test for folate and surrogate metabolites (homocysteine and methylmalonate) in a multiplex assay using quantum dots/quantum dots nano beads based lateral flow strip tests as Ri;Jpid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in plasma and/or RBCs called Folate-QDT. This will detect as low as 0.1 ng/mL folate in serum or red blood cells (RBCs) in a 12 uinol/L), and methylmalonate, Mm (>450 nmol/L66) as confirmatory tests to folate deficiency which provides a:measure of vitamin 812 deficiency through the detection of methylmalonate. This is aimed at preventing neural tube defects (NTD) that are serious birth defects of the brain and spine that can be prevel\led if a woman consumes folic acid before and during early pregnancy. Pregnant women need extra folic acid to make more red blood cells and maintain normal growth of their baby. Women who do not get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy are more likely to have a child born with other birth defects such as a cleft lip or cleft palate.