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A colorimetric microwell method using a desktop scanner for biochemical assays.
Camilo de Lelis Medeiros de Morais1, Kássio Michell Gomes de Lima1
1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Instituto de Química, Grupo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica e Quimiometria, CEP 59072-970 Natal, RN, Brazil.
Talanta
|June 3, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a rapid, inexpensive method for simultaneously analyzing five blood analytes using a desktop scanner and microwell plates. The novel approach offers high precision and accuracy, comparable to commercial photometers, for glucose, creatinine, and lipid profiles.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Simultaneous analysis of multiple blood analytes like glucose, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and total protein is crucial for efficient clinical diagnostics.
- Existing methods can be costly, time-consuming, or lack the sensitivity required for rapid, inexpensive screening.
- There is a need for a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective method for simultaneous blood analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of five key blood analytes.
- To adapt the method to a 64-microwell plate format utilizing a desktop scanner for improved analytical frequency.
- To automate data processing and calculations using a custom-designed Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Main Methods:
- A colorimetric method was adapted for a 64-microwell plate format (8x8 array).
- A commercially available desktop scanner's transparency feature was used for image acquisition.
- A custom-designed GUI processed TIFF images for automated calculations and curve generation.
Main Results:
- The method achieved precision and exactitude better than 5.30% for microliter volumes.
- Analyte concentration ranges and limits of detection were established for glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, total cholesterol, and total protein.
- Results showed high correlation (high coefficient, low RMSEP) and good recovery rates, comparable to a commercial photometer.
Conclusions:
- The developed scanner-based method provides a viable, rapid, and cost-effective alternative for simultaneous blood analyte analysis.
- The automated data processing significantly improved analytical frequency.
- The method demonstrates excellent precision, accuracy, and sensitivity, making it suitable for clinical applications.
