Distance-based ß-amyloid protein detection on PADs for the scanning and subsequent follow-up of Alzheimer's disease in human urine samples.

ABSTRACT

We report on the first development of a simple distance-based ß-amyloid (Aß) protein quantification using a paper-based device (dPAD) to screen for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to subsequently follow up on its influence, i.e., clinical dementia. This sensor method is based on the transformation of a free acid form and its binding with a basic form of bromocresol purple (BCP) through its electrostatic interaction with an Aß protein. This sensor can measure the length of color change from yellow to blue-green on a paper strip, with this change proportional to the amount of Aß protein level. We found that the linearity for Aß protein monitoring was in the range from 0.50 to 10.0 ng mL-1, and the subsequent naked-eye detection limit for Aß was 0.20 ng mL-1. This system also provided high reproducibility and with no apparent interference effect for Aß protein analysis in human urine samples. Furthermore, our developed dPAD constituted an accurate and effective device to precisely determine an Aß protein concentration in real samples, with percentage recoveries in the range of 97-103%, and with the highest relative standard deviation of 5.41%. Subsequently, the validation of our assay was assessed by comparison with a commercial ELISA approach, with favorable results. Finally, the proposed dPAD was successfully applied to the determination of an Aß protein in human urine samples and showed more benefits for the unskilled user, such as cost-efficiency, simplicity, low reagent usage, and low time consumption. It is also suitable for point-of-care monitoring.