Amperometric detection antibody/antigen

Complement induced immune lysis of cells and liposomes to release markers which are then detected electrochemically has been used to detect antibodies and antigens in a homogeneous format at nanomolar levels 252-256) qqjJj amperometric and potentio-metric electrodes have been employed. Unfortunately, major improvements in sensitivity appear unlikely, and instability of liposomes makes development of stable reagents for commercial systems difficult. 

The type of molecular recognition reaction determines the form of the transducer used (Table 5.3). Enzymatic reactions often involve an electron transfer. This electrical activity can be measured with amperometric, potentiometric or conductometric sensors. If the bioreaction includes the generation of H+ or OH ions, then a pH sensitive dye in combination with an optical device can be used. For antibody-antigen binding, the mass change on the surface of the transducer can be detected with a piezoelectric device. Exothermic or endothermic reactions can be followed with a temperature sensor. 

Hapten monolayer electrode sensor assembly was used to detect triazine in a flow injection analysis mode. The interaction of the electrode with different antibody concentrations resulted in the formation of an antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) complex which insulated the electrode towards the [Fe(CN)6] /Fe(CN)6] " redox probe and diis in turn resulted in no charge transfer. The extent of insulation depends on the antibody concentration and the time of exposure to the antibody solution. The decrease in amperometric response of the antigenic monolayer to corresponding antibody solution for a fixed time produces a quantitative measurement of the antibody concentration. Typical responses obtained for cyanazine-hapten monolayer electrode to different antibody concentrations is shown in Figure 4. The lowest detection limit achieved for cyanazine sensor was 4.0 pg/ml at a response time of few minutes and a less-than 2% cross-reactivity to atrazine, simazine and other metabolites. 

Aguilar ZP, Sirisena M (2007) Development of automated amperometric detection of antibodies against Bacillus anthracis protective antigen. Anal Bioanal Chem 389 507-515... 

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