Labeled Streptavidin-Biotin LSAB Method

In a similar method the labeled streptavidin-biotin (LSAB) method also utilizes a biotinylated secondary antibody that links primary antibodies to a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate (6). In both methods a single primary antibody is subsequently associated with multiple peroxidase molecules, and because of the large enzyme-to-antibody ratio, a considerable increase in sensitivity is achieved compared to direct peroxidase-conjugate methods. 

Figure 3. Labeled Streptavidin-Biotin (LSAB) Method.

Other significant improvements were the development of the enzymatic antigen retrieval methods by Huang et al. [18] and the improvement of systems for secondary antibody detection with the introduction of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) and the labeled streptavidin-biotin complex (LSAB) by Hsu etal. [19-22]. 

Figure 1. Conventional immunohistochemical detection methods. Florseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase are commonly employed as enzymes for visualization with chromogen. A The polymer -based method in which dextran polymer is commonly used. B Streptavidin/biotin reaction-based methods including the labeled streptavidin (LSAB) and streptavidin-biotin complex (sABC) methods.

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