Development of an NT-ProBNP Assay Reagent Based on High Specific Activity Alkaline Phosphatase CmAP and an Improved Coupling Method

Abstract

(1) Background: Chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) is an efficient analytical method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with high specific activity is the basis for CLEIA to achieve high sensitivity. In this study, a high specific activity Cobetia marina ALP (CmAP) and an improved coupling method were used to develop an N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) diagnostic reagent. (2) Methods: The purification method of CmAP was improved and the related enzyme activities were assessed. The enzyme and magnetic beads were coupled only to the Fc region of the detection antibody and the capture antibody, respectively, by using a specially improved method. The NT-proBNP in human serum was assessed. (3) Results: The specific activity of the purified CmAP was found to be 13,133 U/mg. No loss in the enzyme activity was observed after its storage at room temperature for 4 months. The sensitivity of the in vitro diagnostic reagents was found to be 0.58 ng/L. (4) Conclusions: CmAP can be applied as a substitute for the commercial ALP. Analytical parameters indicated that the chemiluminescence diagnostic reagent for NT-proBNP is adequately sensitive and reliable for detecting the serum NT-proBNP, which suggests that both the enzyme and coupling method are suitable for the CLEIA.

Keywords

• chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA)
• <i>Cobetia marina</i> alkaline phosphatase (CmAP)
• N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)
• antibody coupling