Absolute quantification of Neuron-specific enolase based on surface plasmon resonance

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a crucial biomarker for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) monitoring and diagnosis.
• Traditional NSE quantification methods are complex, time-consuming, and require calibration standards, limiting their practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, calibration-free method for accurate quantification of active NSE concentration.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional NSE detection techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development of a calibration-free concentration analysis (CFCA) method utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology.
• Quantification of active NSE concentration by analyzing binding rate variations at two flow rates under mass transport limitation, combined with the NSE diffusion coefficient.

Main Results:

• The CFCA-SPR method successfully quantified active NSE concentration at 0.48 mg/mL with high intra-day repeatability (4.75%).
• The developed method demonstrated simplicity, rapidity, and accuracy, without the need for external standards.

Conclusions:

• The CFCA-SPR method offers a robust, standard-free approach for active protein concentration analysis.
• This technique is poised to become a primary method for protein quantification, supporting the development of active protein standards and improving SCLC diagnostics.