Assessment of cardiovascular disease risk using immunosensors for determination of C-reactive protein levels in serum and saliva: a pilot study

Background: Disposable immunosensors based on field effect transistors with single-walled carbon nanotubes (NTFET) were applied for the first time to clinical samples of undiluted blood serum and saliva for the determination of C-reactive protein (CRP), and validated by comparison with ELISA. Results: The NTFET showed comparable analytical performance with the ELISA when applied to clinical samples, which means that NTFET can be used as an alternative to ELISA. Also, a high correlation between the serum and salivary CRP levels was found with the NTFET, which means that saliva could be used based on a noninvasive sampling as an alternative fluid to blood serum. The establishment of a new range of CRP levels based on saliva was also found. Conclusion: The monitoring of CRP in saliva samples by disposable immunosensors could be a valuable approach for the improvement of healthcare services, considering the worldwide increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases.