Multiplexed detection of small analytes by structure-switching aptamer-based capillary electrophoresis

Anal Chem. 2010 Jun 1;82(11):4613-20. doi: 10.1021/ac100755q.

Abstract

Affinity probe capillary electrophoresis (APCE) assays, combining the separation power of CE with the specificity of interactions occurring between a target and a molecular recognition element (MRE), have become important analytical tools in many application fields. In this report, a rationalized strategy, derived from the structure-switching aptamer concept, is described for the design of a novel APCE mode dedicated to small molecule detection. Two assay configurations were reported. The first one, developed for the single-analyte determination, was based on the use of a cholesteryl-tagged aptamer (Chol-Apt) as the MRE and its fluorescein-labeled complementary strand (CS*) as the tracer (laser-induced fluorescence detection). Under micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) conditions, free CS* and the hybrid formed with Chol-Apt (duplex*) were efficiently separated (and then quantified) through the specific shift of the electrophoretic mobility of the cholesteryl-tagged species in the presence of a neutral micellar phase. When the target was introduced into the preincubated sample, the hybridized form was destabilized, resulting in a decrease in the duplex* peak area and a concomitant increase in the free CS* peak area. The second format, especially designed for multianalyte sensing, employed dually cholesteryl- and fluorescein-labeled complementary strands (Chol-CS*) of different lengths and unmodified aptamers (Apt). The size-dependent electrophoretic separation of different Chol-CS* forms from each other and from their corresponding duplexes* was also accomplished under MEKC conditions. The simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a single capillary was performed by monitoring accurately each target-induced duplex-to-complex change. This method could expand significantly the potential of small solute APCE analysis in terms of simplicity, adaptability, generalizability, and high-throughput analysis capability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Monophosphate / analysis
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / metabolism
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / metabolism*
  • Base Sequence
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Fluorescein / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Lasers
  • Molecular Weight
  • Motion
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Adenosine Monophosphate
  • Fluorescein