Quantum dot-based lab-on-a-bead system for multiplexed detection of free and total prostate-specific antigens in clinical human serum samples

A multiplexed diagnostic system based on quantum dots-encoded microbeads is designed and validated for simultaneous detection of prostate cancer markers in a representative set of clinical human serum samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the system are similar to those of “gold-standard” single-analyte ELISA. Additionally, it has improved immunoassay capacity, ensures quantitative detection of multiple cancer biomarkers, operates in a considerably wider dynamic range of concentrations and provides clear discrimination between the samples from cancer patients and healthy donors.124