Ratiometric Nanoparticle Array-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes for Quantitative Protein Sensing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Quantitative protein biomarker detection is vital for medical diagnosis.
• Existing fluorescent probes lack versatility and simultaneous qualitative/quantitative capabilities.
• Developing novel sensors for multiplexed protein analysis is a key research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop nanoparticle array-based near-infrared (NIR) ratiometric probes for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative protein analysis.
• To enable the distinction and quantification of specific proteins within a complex mixture.
• To create a versatile sensing system with potential for clinical diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetic nanoparticles to temporarily inhibit and restore beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity.
• Developed an enzyme-activatable NIR probe (DCM-β-gal) with distinct readouts.
• Employed linear discrimination analysis to process sensor array data.
• Verified results using isothermal titration calorimetry.

Main Results:

• Successfully distinguished and quantified 11 common proteins with 100% accuracy.
• Demonstrated quantitative detection of proteins within the concentration range of 0-100 μg/mL.
• Achieved clear differentiation of proteins using 2D and 3D plots.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoparticle array probes enable simultaneous qualitative and quantitative protein detection.
• The sensing system shows high accuracy and potential for clinical diagnostic applications.
• This approach overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent probes for protein analysis.