Determination of Proteins at Nanogram Levels Using the Resonance Light Scattering Technique with a Novel PVAK Nanoparticle

Abstract

A novel functionalized polyvinyl alcohol keto-derivative nanoparticle (PVAK) has been prepared in a one-step method using oxidation and degradation under ultrasonic irradiation. The nanoparticle is water-soluble, chemically stable, non-toxic and biocompatible. The surface of the nanoparticle is covered with abundant hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl. At pH 3.0, the interactions of PVAK with different proteins can result in obviously enhanced RLS signals at 380 nm. Under optimal conditions, the calibration graphs are linear over the range of 0.02’4.0 µg mL−1 for human serum albumin (HSA), 0.02’3.5 µg mL−1 for bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 0.05’3.5 µg mL−1 for human γ-globulin (γ-G), respectively. Detection limits were 6.4 ng mL−1 for HSA, 9.2 ng mL−1 for BSA, and 12.5 ng mL−1 for γ-G, respectively. The method was employed for the determination of total proteins in human serum with satisfactory results.