Effectiveness of detergents in blocking nonspecific binding of IgG in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) depends upon the type of polystyrene used.
Since nonspecific binding of immunoglobulins to polystyrene is a major factor in the nonspecific reactions observed in the ELISA, we studied the effect of a nonionic detergent (Tween-20) on the binding of human IgG to polystyrene. Pretreatment of polystyrene with detergent did not provide a permanent barrier to adsorption of IgG, because washing with water completely removed the blocking ability of detergents from low-binding plates, but only partially removed the blocking power from high-binding plates. On high-binding plates, human IgG molecules suspended in detergent solution attached to the plastic surface, an effect not seen with low-binding plates. Consequently, the binding power of the plastic that is used greatly affects the ability of nonionic detergents to prevent nonspecific binding of immunoglobulins.
Kenny
G E
GE
Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98105.
Dunsmoor
C L
CL
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D003902:Detergents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism*; D010969:Plastics / Q000378:metabolism; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000187:drug effects; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000378:metabolism; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D003902:Detergents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010969:Plastics; D011137:Polystyrenes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine