Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle-based sequential competitive fluorescence assay for serum ferritin
Sanita Singsanan1, Thanet Prajantasen2, Rungthiwa Niamlaoong3
1Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Burapha University, Chonburi, 20131, Thailand.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|March 11, 2026
Summary
A novel assay using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) accurately quantifies ferritin, a key iron biomarker. This fluorescence assay offers a cost-effective and stable alternative to traditional immunoassays for clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Ferritin is a vital biomarker for iron status, crucial for diagnosing anemia and iron overload.
- Traditional immunoassays for ferritin face limitations including reagent instability and high costs.
- Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) offer a promising alternative for sensitive biomarker detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nanoMIPs-based sequential competitive fluorescence assay for quantifying ferritin.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional immunoassays for ferritin detection.
- To assess the performance and clinical applicability of the developed nanoMIPs assay.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized nanoMIPs using ferritin as a template via solid-phase molecular imprinting.
- Developed a sequential competitive fluorescence assay involving sample ferritin, nanoMIPs, and FITC-labeled ferritin.
- Utilized fluorescence quenching of FITC by photoinduced electron transfer for signal generation.
Main Results:
- The nanoMIPs assay demonstrated a linear response from 5.10 to 800 ng/mL with high recovery (98-109%).
- The assay exhibited excellent selectivity for ferritin, with minimal cross-reactivity (<7%) against other serum proteins.
- The nanoMIPs assay showed high correlation (R² = 0.9873) with a chemiluminescent immunoassay in human plasma analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoMIPs-based fluorescence assay is suitable for quantifying trace amounts of ferritin in clinical settings.
- This method provides a stable, cost-effective, and highly selective alternative to immunoassays.
- NanoMIPs show significant potential for broader applications in competitive fluorescence assays for various biomarkers.
