Detection of protein biomarkers using RNA aptamer microarrays and enzymatically amplified surface plasmon resonance imaging

A methodology for the detection of protein biomarkers at picomolar concentrations that utilizes surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) measurements of RNA aptamer microarrays is developed. The adsorption of proteins onto the RNA microarray is detected by the formation of a surface aptamer-protein-antibody complex. The SPRI response signal is then amplified using a localized precipitation reaction catalyzed by the enzyme horseradish peroxidase that is conjugated to the antibody. This enzymatically amplified SPRI methodology is first characterized by the detection of human thrombin at a concentration of 500 fM; the appropriate thrombin aptamer for the sandwich assay is identified from a microarray of three potential thrombin aptamer candidates. The SPRI method is then used to detect the protein vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at a biologically relevant concentration of 1 pM. VEGF is a signaling protein that has been used as a serum biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer and is also associated with age-related macular degeneration.