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QCM-based assay designs for human serum albumin
Wisnu Arfian A Sudjarwo1, Mathias Thomas Dobler1, Peter A Lieberzeit2
1University of Vienna, Faculty for Chemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry, Waehringer Strasse 42, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|December 24, 2021
Summary
Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-MIPs) selectively bind human serum albumin (HSA). This breakthrough enables sensitive and specific HSA detection using competitive quartz crystal microbalance assays.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-MIPs) serve as artificial antibodies with tailored binding sites.
- Human serum albumin (HSA) is a crucial biomarker in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate nano-MIPs for the selective recognition and quantification of HSA.
- To establish a competitive quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) assay for sensitive HSA detection.
Main Methods:
- Solid-phase synthesis of HSA-templated nano-MIPs and non-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-NIPs).
- Characterization of nanoparticle size using dynamic light scattering.
- Evaluation of binding selectivity via fluorescence assays and QCM measurements.
- Development of a competitive QCM assay for HSA quantification.
Main Results:
- Synthesized nano-MIPs exhibited a significantly smaller diameter (53 ± 19 nm) compared to nano-NIPs (191 ± 96 nm).
- Nano-MIPs demonstrated selective binding to HSA over other proteins like BSA, lysozyme, and pepsin.
- Competitive QCM assays achieved a limit of detection (LoD) of 80 nM and a limit of quantification (LoQ) of 244 nM for HSA.
- The assay provided high recovery rates (~100%) for HSA in the presence of competing analytes.
Conclusions:
- Nano-MIPs are effective antibody mimics for selective HSA recognition.
- The developed competitive QCM assay offers a sensitive and specific method for HSA quantification.
- This approach holds promise for developing advanced diagnostic tools for HSA-related biomarkers.
