High sensitivity multianalyte immunoassay using covalent DNA-labeled antibodies and polymerase chain reaction

A multianalyte immunoassay for simultaneous detection of three analytes (hTSH, hCG and beta-Gal) has been demonstrated using DNA-labeled antibodies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of assay response. The labeled antibodies were prepared by covalently coupling uniquely designed DNA oligonucleotides to each of the analyte-specific monoclonal antibodies. Each of the DNA oligonucleotide labels contained the same primer sequences to facilitate co-amplification by a single primer pair. Assays were performed using a two-antibody sandwich assay format and a mixture of the three DNA-labeled antibodies. Dose-response relationships for each analyte were demonstrated. Analytes were detected at sensitivities exceeding those of conventional enzyme immunoassays by approximately three orders of magnitude. Detection limits for hTSH, beta-Gal and hCG were respectively 1 x 10(-19), 1 x 10(-17) and 1 x 10(-17) mol. Given the enormous amplification afforded by PCR and the existing capability to differentiate DNA based on size or sequence differences, the use of DNA-labeled antibodies could provide the basis for the simultaneous detection of many analytes at sensitivities greater than those of existing antigen detection systems. These findings in concert with previous reports suggest this hybrid technology could provide a new generation of ultra-sensitive multianalyte immunoassays.