Building Reversed-Phase Microarrays on Low-Cost Biosensing Chips: Application to Multiplexed Detection of Food Allergies

Abstract

Microanalytical methods that provide multianalyte profiling information are in high demand. However, the selection of selective probes is sometimes challenging for protein biomarkers. Thus, a reversed-phase array is a reliable analytical system because these probes can better recognize the intrinsic variety of responses compared to single-protein approaches. This chapter also describes the combination of a biorecognition assay and a cheap portable optical biosensing as a powerful solution when an accurate multiple diagnosis is required.As a proof-of-concept, an array-based method was developed as an up-and-coming in vitro diagnostic tool for effectively identifying patients with food allergies. The microanalytical multiplexed assay was supported by compact disc technology (disc, reader, software) as a portable, simple, cost-effective sensing device. Biochip arrays containing a set of immobilized allergens were a feasible solution for detecting 12 food allergies in a single experiment and with a small serum volume. The results were excellent compared to the reference method and other technologies for detecting of specific immunoglobulin E.

Keywords: Food allergy; Micro-immunoassay; Optical biosensor; Protein array; Serum biomarker.