Multiplexed detection of DOCK8, PGM3 and STAT3 proteins for the diagnosis of Hyper-Immunoglobulin E syndrome using gold nanoparticles-based immunosensor array platform

Multiplexed biosensors hold great promise for early diagnosis of diseases where the detection of multiple biomarkers is required. Hyper Immunoglobulin E syndromes (HIES) are rare primary immunodeficiency disorders associated with mutations either in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), dedicator of cytokinesis 8 DOCK8) or phosphoglucomutase 3 (PGM3) genes. Yet, the diagnosis of HIES is challenged by the complexity of the existing laboratory assays. Here, we report for the first time the development of a multiplexed electrochemical immunosensor for the simultaneous detection of DOCK8, STAT3 and PGM3 proteins. The immunosensor was constructed on carbon array electrodes that were first modified by electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The array electrodes were then used to immobilize specific antibodies for the three proteins after the functionalization of the electrodes with cysteamine/glutaraldehyde linkers. The simultaneous detection of the DOCK8, PGM3 and STAT3 proteins was successfully realized by the immunosensor with respective limits of detections of 3.1, 2.2 and 3.5 pg/ml. The immunosensor has shown good sensitivity as well as selectivity against other proteins such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Moreover, the immunosensor was successfully applied in human serum samples showing capability to distinguish the HIES from the control samples.