A quantum dot-based microfluidic multi-window platform for quantifying the biomarkers of breast cancer cellsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1 and S2. See DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40224j

• Main Authors: Kwon, Seyong, Kim, Minseok S, Lee, Eun Sook, Sohn, Jang Sihn, Park, Je-Kyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1757-9694; 1757-9708
• DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40224j

Conventional molecular profiling methods using immunochemical assays have limits in terms of multiplexity and the quantification of biomarkers in investigation of cancer cells. In this paper, we demonstrate a quantum dot (QD)-based microfluidic multiple biomarker quantification (QD-MMBQ) method that enables labeling of more than eight proteins immunochemically on cell blocks within 1 h, in a quantitative manner. An internal reference, β-actin, was used as a loading control to compensate for differences in not only the cell number but also in staining quality among specimens. Furthermore, the microfluidic blocking method exhibited less nonspecific binding of QDs than the conventional static blocking method. We demonstrate a new analytical concept that integrates a microfluidic multiplexing platform and a quantum dot double-staining method in immunochemical assays, resulting in facile and accurate quantification of multiple biomarkers.