Label-free detection of biomolecules using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2024 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s00216-023-05106-7. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBioassays using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have gained increasing attention because of the high sensitivity of ICP-MS and the various strategies of labeling biomolecules with detectable metal tags. The classic strategy to tag the target biomolecules is through direct antibody-antigen interaction and DNA hybridization, and requires the separation of the bound from the unbound tags. Label-free ICP-MS techniques for biomolecular assays do not require direct labeling: they generate detectable metal ions indirectly from specific biomolecular reactions, such as enzymatic cleavage. Here, we highlight the development of three main strategies of label-free ICP-MS assays for biomolecules: (1) enzymatic cleavage of metal-labeled substrates, (2) release of immobilized metal ions from the DNA backbone, and (3) nucleic acid amplification-assisted aggregation and release of metal tags to achieve amplified detection. We briefly describe the fundamental basis of these label-free ICP-MS assays and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various designs. Future research is needed to reduce non-specific adsorption and minimize background and interference. Analytical innovations are also required to confront challenges faced by in vivo applications.PMID:38175283 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-023-05106-7

Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - January 4, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Jianyu Hu Xiaowen Yan X Chris Le Source Type: research