Rapid highly sensitive general protein quantification through on-chip
chemiluminescence |
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Authors: | Hoi Kei Chiu Tadas Kartanas Kadi L Saar Carina Mouritsen Luxhj Sean Devenish Tuomas P J Knowles |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom;2.Fluidic Analytics Ltd., Unit A The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom;3.Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Ave., Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom |
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Abstract: | Protein detection and quantification is a routinely performed procedure in research laboratories, predominantly executed either by spectroscopy-based measurements, such as NanoDrop, or by colorimetric assays. The detection limits of such assays, however, are limited to M concentrations. To establish an approach that achieves general protein detection at an enhanced sensitivity and without necessitating the requirement for signal amplification steps or a multicomponent detection system, here, we established a chemiluminescence-based protein detection assay. Our assay specifically targeted primary amines in proteins, which permitted characterization of any protein sample and, moreover, its latent nature eliminated the requirement for washing steps providing a simple route to implementation. Additionally, the use of a chemiluminescence-based readout ensured that the assay could be operated in an excitation source-free manner, which did not only permit an enhanced sensitivity due to a reduced background signal but also allowed for the use of a very simple optical setup comprising only an objective and a detection element. Using this assay, we demonstrated quantitative protein detection over a concentration range of five orders of magnitude and down to a high sensitivity of , corresponding to pM concentrations. The capability of the platform presented here to achieve a high detection sensitivity without the requirement for a multistep operation or a multicomponent optical system sets the basis for a simple yet universal and sensitive protein detection strategy. |
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