A protein array based on quantum dots (QDs) encoded microbeads for detection of hepatitis C virus

Abstract

To establish a hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic assay using a protein array based on the quantum dots (QDs) encoded microbeads. Using QDs encoded microbeads array and immunofluorescence techniques, the highly purified HCV NS3, NS4, NS5 and Core protein were respectively immobilized on the surface of encoded beads, which were used for the detection of anti-HCV antibody in serum. To evaluate the microbeads protein array, 120 HCV positive and 50 HCV negative samples were tested, and compared with recombinant immunoblot assay(RIBA) results as golden standard. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy value were calculated. Compared 120 positive samples detected with RIBA, the sensitivity of microbeads array is 97.50% (117/120), the specificity is 96.0% (48/50), and accuracy is 97. 06% [(117 + 48)/(120 + 50)], The sensitivity of microbeads protein array is similar with RIBA methods. In the 120 positive samples tested with protein array, the positive rate of anti-HCV Core is 92. 50% (111/120) , the positive rate of anti-HCV NS3 is 89. 17% (107/120), the positive rate of anti-HCV NS4 is 70. 83% (85/120), the positive rate of anti-HCV NS5 is 52.50% (63/120).