One-Shot Full-Range Quantification of Multi-Biomarkers With Different Abundance by a Tandem Giant Magnetoresistance Assay

Abstract

In this study, we reported a tandem giant magnetoresistance (GMR) assay that realized the one-shot quantification of multi-biomarkers of infection, C-reactive protein (CRP) with procalcitonin (PCT), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), all of which could cover their clinically relevant concentration ranges under a different principle. In the presence of co-determined assay, we quantified these three biomarkers in undiluted human blood serum in a single test. The tandem principle, based on which quantification of CRP occurs, combines a sandwich assay and an indirect competitive assay, which allows for the discrimination of the concentration values resulting from the multivalued dose-response curve (‘Hook’ effect), which characterizes the one-step sandwich assay at high CRP concentrations. However, the entire diagnostically dynamic range, in the quantification of PCT and NGAL, was achieved by differential coating of two identical GMR sensors operated in tandem and by combining two standard curves. The sensor quantified low detection limits and a broader dynamic range for the detection of infection biomarkers. The noticeable features of the assay are its dynamic range and small sample volume requirement (50 μL), and the need for a short measurement time of 15 min. These figures of merit render it a prospective candidate for practical use in point-of-care analysis.