Abstract
Paper-based ELISA was developed around 2008. It was cellulose-based platform that using wax printing to form hydrophobic zone and cellulose to form the central portion as hydrophilic zone. The colorimetric reaction can be accomplished within a 1 cm-diameter hydrophilic zone. It took only 2~3 μL to accomplish one test in one test zone. On the other hand, in clinical ophthalmology, VEGF level in aqueous humor was proved to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. It’s estimated that >500,000 times of anti-VEGF injections were performed around the world. However, scarcity of aqueous humor limits the development of biochemical method to qualifying or quantifying the existence of biomarker like VEGF through aqueous humor because only 100~200 μL can be acquired through aqueous humor per sampling. Thus, we choose paper-based ELISA to quantifying aqueous humor VEGF level. This PhD paper consisted of four parts: (1) Establishing protocol of P-ELISA for aqueous VEGF. Significant difference between different disease spectrum were proved. (2) Identify the rationale for aqueous VEGF as a biomarker and elevated first. Then retinal structure changes happened later. Finally, ocular function decline as vision impair happened last. (3) P-ELISA successfully determine aqueous VEGF level before and after treatment. (4) Further work: optimization and possible application for P-ELISA in ophthalmology.