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Zhang C, Zheng K, Li C, Zhang R, Zhu Y, Xia L, Ma Y, Wyss HM, Cheng X, He S. Single-Molecule Protein Analysis by Centrifugal Droplet Immuno-PCR with Magnetic Nanoparticles. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1872-1879. [PMID: 38225884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Detecting proteins in ultralow concentrations in complex media is important for many applications but often relies on complicated techniques. Herein, a single-molecule protein analyzer with the potential for high-throughput applications is reported. Gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles with DNA-labeled antibodies were used for target recognition and separation. The immunocomplex was loaded into microdroplets generated with centrifugation. Immuno-PCR amplification of the DNA enabled the quantification of proteins at the level of single molecules. As an example, ultrasensitive detection of α-synuclein, a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, is achieved. The limit of detection was determined to be ∼50 aM in buffer and ∼170 aM in serum. The method exhibited high specificity and could be used to analyze post-translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation. This study will inspire wider studies on single-molecule protein detection, especially in disease diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Kaixin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chi Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ranran Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yicheng Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Linxiao Xia
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yicheng Ma
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Hans M Wyss
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600MB, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Ningbo Research Institute, Ningbo 310050, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Sailing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Ningbo Research Institute, Ningbo 310050, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Department of Electromagnetic Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm S-100 44, Sweden
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