Immunoassay techniques are a class of bioanalytical methods used to detect and quantify specific molecules, typically proteins or small molecules, in biological samples.
These techniques rely on the specific binding interaction between an antigen (the molecule of interest) and an antibody, which is highly selective and sensitive. One common type of immunoassay is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA), also known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Here’s how enzyme immunoassays work:
- Coating the Plate: In a microtiter plate, wells are coated with a specific antibody that is capable of binding to the target antigen. This antibody is referred to as a “capture antibody.”
- Sample Application: The sample, which may contain the antigen of interest, is added to the wells. If the antigen is present, it will bind to the capture antibody.
- Washing: After a certain incubation period, unbound substances are washed away to remove any non-specific components.
- Addition of Detection Antibody: A second antibody, known as the “detection antibody,” is added. This antibody is specific to a different epitope on the target antigen, ensuring specificity. This detection antibody is typically linked to an enzyme (hence the name “enzyme immunoassay”).
- Secondary Antibody Binding: If the target antigen is present in the sample, the detection antibody-enzyme conjugate will bind to the antigen in the well, forming a “sandwich” structure with the antigen trapped between the capture and detection antibodies.
- Washing: Any unbound detection antibodies are washed away.
- Enzyme Substrate Addition: A substrate solution containing a substrate specific to the enzyme linked to the detection antibody is added. If the enzyme is present (indicating the presence of the target antigen), it will catalyze a reaction with the substrate, leading to the formation of a colored or fluorescent product.
- Measurement: The intensity of the color or fluorescence is measured using a spectrophotometer or fluorometer. The intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of the target antigen in the sample.
- Calibration: A standard curve is generated by measuring the signal from known concentrations of the target antigen. This curve is used to quantitate the concentration of the antigen in the sample.
Enzyme immunoassays are widely used in various fields, including:
- Medical Diagnostics: They are used for the detection of specific proteins or biomarkers in blood or urine, such as in pregnancy tests or HIV tests.
- Pharmaceutical Research: ELISAs are used to quantify proteins and antibodies in drug development and quality control.
- Immunology Research: Researchers use EIAs to study immune responses and the presence of specific antibodies or antigens.
- Environmental Monitoring: They are employed to detect and quantify contaminants in environmental samples, such as water or soil.
- Food and Beverage Industry: ELISAs are used for the detection of allergens or contaminants in food products.
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences: ELISAs play a crucial role in the study of molecular and cellular biology, such as in enzyme assays or cytokine quantification.
Enzyme immunoassays are highly sensitive and specific, making them valuable tools in both research and clinical applications.