Multiplex biosensing platform for simultaneous and precise evaluation of dual tuberculosis biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis relies on detecting specific biomarkers.
• Current diagnostic methods can be time-consuming or lack sensitivity.
• Simultaneous detection of multiple TB biomarkers can improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiplex electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing platform for precise evaluation of dual TB biomarkers: interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
• To construct signal-amplifying and potential-resolved ECL complex probes for enhanced detection.
• To establish a faster and more reliable TB diagnostic technology.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) combined on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic beads (MBs) to create ECL complex probes.
• Modified patterned indium tin oxide electrodes with primary antibodies (Ab1) for capturing IFN-γ and TNF-α.
• Utilized secondary antibodies (Ab2)-functionalized ECL complex probes for biomarker recognition.
• Employed potential-resolved ECL to generate distinct peaks for each biomarker.

Main Results:

• Achieved distinct and well-resolved ECL peaks in a single potential scan, indicating successful multiplex detection.
• Demonstrated a linear correlation between ECL peak intensity and concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α over a wide range (0.01-1500 pg mL⁻¹).
• Successfully evaluated dual TB biomarkers simultaneously and precisely in serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiplex biosensing platform enables accurate and simultaneous detection of IFN-γ and TNF-α.
• This technology holds potential for establishing a faster and more reliable diagnostic tool for tuberculosis.
• The potential-resolved ECL approach offers enhanced precision in biomarker quantification.