Chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay using magnetic nanoparticles for detection of neuron specific enolase in human serum

To detect a biomarker for small cell lung carcinoma, neuron specific enolase (NSE), a sensitive and specific chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay was developed. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled NSE capture antibody connected with NSE and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) labeled NSE detection antibody in a sandwich-type detection manner. This immune complex was further reacted with anti-FITC coated magnetic beads. In a magnetic field, the complex was enriched, and the sensitivity was thus enhanced. The limit of detection (LOD) of this method was <0.2 ng mL(-1). The proposed immunoassay was highly selective, and not interfered by hook effect. The recovery was >83.0% and the coefficient of variation was <10.0%. Human sera from 120 patients were tested with the presented and traditional chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. An excellent linear relationship was obtained between two techniques. Overall. this immunoassay offers a promising alternative for NSE detection than traditional clinical examinations. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.