Ability of matrix metalloproteinase‐8 biosensor, IFMA, and ELISA immunoassays to differentiate between periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of an MMP‐8 biosensor assay in differentiating periodontal health from gingivitis and periodontitis and compare it with an established time‐resolved immunofluorescence assay (IFMA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Background Currently available antibody‐based assays display a wide variability in their ability to accurately measure matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) levels in saliva. Methods Salivary MMP‐8 levels were analyzed in 189 systemically healthy participants using an antibody‐based biosensor prototype that operates using a surface acoustic wave technology and compared with IFMA and ELISA antibody assays. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: periodontal health (59), gingivitis (63), and periodontitis (67). A sub‐population of participants (n = 20) with periodontitis received periodontal treatment and were monitored for 6 months. Results All the assays demonstrated significantly higher salivary MMP‐8 concentrations in participants with periodontitis versus gingivitis, periodontitis versus health, and gingivitis versus health (all p