Acquiring multiple signals along with the reaction time: improving recognition capability of a multidimensional...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensing

Background:

• Protein identification is crucial for bioanalytical and clinical diagnostics.
• Existing sensor arrays often lack sensitivity and cost-effectiveness for multiplexed protein detection.
• Multidimensional signal acquisition is needed to improve discrimination ability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multidimensional colorimetric sensor array for sensitive and accurate multiplexed protein identification.
• To enhance protein discrimination by utilizing multiple signals over reaction time.
• To validate the sensor array's performance in aqueous solutions and human urine.

Main Methods:

• A novel colorimetric sensor array was designed for protein detection.
• Absorbance signals were acquired at three distinct reaction time points (10, 15, and 20 minutes).
• Multidimensional data analysis generated unique fingerprints for each protein.

Main Results:

• The sensor array successfully identified ten proteins in aqueous solution at 10 nM and in human urine at 50 nM with 100% accuracy.
• Human serum albumin (HSA) was identified in urine at nanomolar levels within a 0.05-1.0 μM linear range.
• The system demonstrated high sensitivity, distinguishing pure HSA and HSA/Lys mixtures in urine at 50 nM.

Conclusions:

• Real-time resolved response signals significantly enhance discrimination ability in protein recognition.
• The developed colorimetric sensor array offers a sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective solution for multiplexed protein detection.
• This technology holds promise for various bioanalytical and clinical applications, including disease diagnostics.