Attomolar protein detection in complex sample matrices with semi-homogeneous fluidic force discrimination assays

We describe a semi-homogenous (SH) implementation of a fluidic force discrimination™ (FFD) assay using only two reagent mixtures and three assay steps that can be performed in as little as 10 min. Previously microbead labels and FFD have been combined to achieve multiplexed, femtomolar nucleic acid hybridization and immunoassays in a microarray format [Mulvaney, S.P., Cole, C.L., Kniller, M.D., Malito, M., Tamanaha, C.R., Rife, J.C., Stanton, M.W., Whitman, L.J., 2007. Biosen. Bioelectron. 23, 191–200.]. In SH FFD assays, the microbeads and any required intermediate receptors (e.g., secondary antibodies) are first mixed directly with a sample, allowing target analytes to be efficiently captured onto the beads. The target-loaded beads are then specifically captured onto a microarray surface, with nonspecifically bound beads removed by controlled, laminar fluidic forces. The remaining beads on each microarray capture spot are counted to determine the targets’ identities and concentrations. SH target collection provides a 1000-fold improvement in the assay sensitivity, down to attomolar concentrations, as demonstrated by our detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) at 35 aM (1 fg/ml). We also show that SH assays are adaptable for extraction, preconcentration, and identification of analytes in complex sample matrices, including assays for SEB and ricin toxoid in serum and whole blood. Finally, we present a detailed model of the reaction kinetics that reveals how capturing the targets onto the beads in solution provides a significant kinetic advantage at low target concentrations where mass transport to a microarray surface is most limited.