All-in-one paper-based sampling chip for targeted protein analysis

Abstract

A novel all-in-one paper-based sampling concept for mass spectrometric bottom-up protein analysis is here demonstrated in a chip format integrating instant immunocapture, protein reduction, - alkylation and tryptic digestion all in-device. Conventional laboratory grade filter paper was coated with the polymer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl azlactone (pHEMA-VDM) with a subsequent covalent immobilization of the monoclonal antibody E27 targeting the biomarker human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In-device protein reduction and alkylation was optimized with regards to reagent concentration and reaction pH. The sampling concept showed a high degree of performance between 10 and 1000 ng/mL (R² > 0.99) by a five-point calibration curve sampled with hCG spiked to human serum samples and freshly collected whole blood samples, respectively. LOD (experimentally obtained at 100 pg/mL (2.64 pM/0.9 IU/L)) was demonstrated to be up to ten times lower with more than six times faster sample preparation than what has previously been reported for on-paper analysis of hCG in human serum samples.

Keywords: Dried blood spots; LC-MS; Paper-based chip sampling; Protein analysis; Smart sampling; Whole blood analysis.