Acoustic probe-based ELISA.
The effects of acoustic microstreaming during incubation steps of a prototypical three-step ELISA were studied. Acoustic microstreaming, an orderly mixing of microwell contents induced by linear oscillation of immersible acoustic probes, was shown to be particularly effective when coupled with locating the solid phase on the surface of the probes. Optical densities achieved for acoustic probe-based assays were equivalent to those for uninsonated microwell-based assays with only 20% of the microwell solid phase surface area. Low-level antibody detection was significantly improved and antibody incubation times significantly shortened without loss of signal. Acoustic probe-based assays can enhance assay and laboratory efficiency through testing for multiple analytes in a single sample or increasing available binding surface area (by using probe and well surfaces simultaneously), and by eliminating quenching. Acoustic probe ELISA methodology has significant implications for cost-effective automation.
Boraker
D K
DK
Chromogen, Inc., South Burlington, VT 05403.
Bugbee
S J
SJ
Reed
B A
BA
D000162:Acoustics; D000818:Animals; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis
D007074:Immunoglobulin G