Redox and label-free array detection of protein markers in human serum

Anal Chem. 2014 Jun 3;86(11):5553-8. doi: 10.1021/ac5010037. Epub 2014 May 21.

Abstract

A substantial outstanding challenge in diagnostics and disease monitoring is an ability to rapidly and conveniently assay for protein biomarkers within complex biological media. Label-free electroanalytical methods present, arguably, the most promising and scalable means of achieving this but, as with all label-free assays, can struggle with response selectivity issues that arise from nonspecific surface interactions. Impedimetric methods are ultrasensitive and have been applied to the quantification of a wide range of proteins but have not previously been utilized in a multiplexed format capable of operation in complex analytical fluid. Herein, we present the use of thermally cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer sensory array interfaces in the ultrasensitive quantification of two protein markers, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP). This was achieved with detection limits of 171 ± 19 fM and 150 ± 10 pM, respectively. Significantly, the arrays not only enable the simultaneous, fast, nonamplified, and label-free detection of both markers without reagent addition but do so with little cross talk, even in human serum. A blind analysis of 17 real patient samples generated results in excellent agreement with those obtained through a clinically approved chemiluminescence assay.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / chemistry
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Electrochemistry
  • Humans
  • Insulin / analysis
  • Luminescence
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Serum / chemistry

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Proteins
  • Insulin
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • C-Reactive Protein