Ultra-sensitive quantification of lysozyme based on element chelate labeling and capillary electrophoresis–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

•An ultra-sensitive method for detecting lysozyme based on CE–ICP–MS was described.•The proposed method has an extremely low detection limit of 3.89 attomole.•It can be used to detect trace lysozyme in saliva sample with a satisfied recovery.•The method provides a new potential for sensitive detection of low-abundant proteins.

In this study, an ultra-sensitive method for the quantification of lysozyme based on the Gd3+ diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid labeling and capillary electrophoresis–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE–ICP–MS) was described. The Gd3+-tagged lysozyme was effectively separated by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and sensitively determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Based on the gadolinium-tagging and CE–ICP–MS, the lysozyme was determined within 12 min with an extremely low detection limit of 3.89 attomole (3.89 × 10−11 mol L−1 for 100 nL of sample injection) and a RSD < 6% (n = 5). The proposed method has been successfully used to detect lysozyme in saliva samples with a recovery of 91–106%, suggesting that our method is sensitive and reliable. The success of the present method provides a new potential for the biological assays and sensitive detection of low-abundant proteins.

Graphical abstractAn ultra-sensitive method for the determination of lysozyme was developed based on the Gd3+ chelate labeling and CE–ICP–MS. The proposed method has an extremely low detection limit of 3.89 attomole and has been successfully used to detect lysozyme in saliva sample, showing excellent reliability. The success of the present method provides a new possibility for biological assays and clinical diagnoses.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide