Multiplex sensing of IL-10 and CRP towards predicting critical illness in COVID-19 infections

Here we present a sensitive method for the detection and quantification of two (IL -10 and CRP) immuno-responsive biomarkers in various biofluids. The significance of these immune response biomarkers lies in them displaying elevated levels in critically ill COVID -19 patients. The developed electrochemical sensor contains a gold film electrode with ZnO nanoparticles deposited on its surface to increase the surface area of the working electrode while integrating antibody-antigen interactions into the detection system. This multiplex biosensor has a wide linear range from 0.01 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL and 0.1 pg/mL to 1000 pg/mL for CRP and IL10, respectively. The cross-reactivity of this multiplex sensor platform was evaluated between these two proteins and was <20%. Recovery studies were performed by spiking known concentrations in serum and urine samples. The recovery was calculated and ranged from 80% to 100%, confirming clinical applicability. This electrochemical sensing platform can aid in the early screening of COVID -19 patients to monitor for the development of more serious and potentially lethal symptoms.