Fluorescence-based detection of cytokines using biofunctional lubricant-infused surfaces

Here, we present a new class of biofunctional lubricant-infused surfaces where capture antibodies are covalently patterned on a fluorinated surface. The new platform allows for precise detection of human interleukin 6 (IL-6) in complex biofluids such as human whole plasma and blood. We show the detection of IL-6 in human plasma with a limit of detection of as low as 0.5 pg mL^-1 using a simple sandwich-based immunofluorescence assay, and low-cost poly(methyl methacrylate) as the substrate.