A versatile approach to quality control of protein-based receptor layers by reversible, nonspecific staining for multiplex SPRi immunosensing

SPRi protein arrays for rapid, label-free immunodetection offer an attractive approach for high throughput biosensing and analysis of molecular interactions. However, their routine use for quantitative analysis requires adequate reproducibility and homogeneity of receptor assemblies manufactured ex-situ using microdispensing techniques. There is also an emerging need to develop versatile and non-destructive methods for the determination of protein surface density for quality control of the immobilization process. Here, we report on a simple, one-step method of surface proteins visualization by their reversible, non-specific staining with anionic dyes: Ponceau S (PS), Amido Black (AB) or Coomassie Brilliant Blue G (CBB-G). Using rabbit IgG antibody and transferrin as model receptors, we demonstrate the possibility of protein surface density determination in a broad range up to ∼ 3 ng∙mm −2 (for a 2D monolayer) and up to at least 12.5 ng∙mm −2 (for a 3D hydrogel-coated substrate). The ranges of dynamic response for the developed methods cover the typical surface densities required for biosensing and studies of the binding kinetics. It was demonstrated that each of the investigated dyes manifests advantages in specified applications. While CBB-G shows the highest sensitivity of SPRi response, AB requires the gentlest labeling conditions, and PS shows the highest association rate and ease of washing out, even from protein layers of high density. The feasibility of the developed method for the quality control of SPRi microarray was confirmed. The advantages of the new, dye-based, non-specific labeling method over immunolabeling in terms of simplicity of implementation and versatility have also been highlighted. • A new method for quality control of protein receptor layers using SPRi was developed. • Ponceau S, Amido Black and Coomassie G were selected as non-specific protein dyes. • Developed protocols were validated for rabbit IgG and transferrin as model receptors. • Correlations between receptor surface densities and SPRi responses to dye were shown. • Dye-based method was employed for protein mapping on ex-situ spotted SPRi microarrays.