Multiplexed detection of lung cancer biomarkers based on quantum dots and microbeads

Abstract We have developed a multiplexed fluoroimmunoassay of three lung cancer biomarkers based on multicolor quantum dots (QDs) as detection elements and micro-magnetic beads as immune carriers. QDs have the ability to simplify multiplexed analysis. In our method, the fluorescent signals derived from three cross-talk-free QD conjugated probes with emission maxima at 525, 585 and 625 nm could be analyzed to determine the concentrations of the target proteins. With this system, fragments of cytokeratin 19 (CYRFA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), were simultaneously detected in a single sample with a low detection limit down to the 1.0 ng/mL level (364 pg/mL for CYRFA 21-1, 38 pg/mL for CEA, 370 pg/mL for NSE in a single detection). Additional advantages of the presented method include ease of operation, low cost, and a very low sample volume (20 µL).