The beginning of the end for ELISA?

摘要

A polymer-based test for proteins has proved sensitive, selective and much simpler than a traditional assay.rnProteins can act as markers for diseases, so it is important to be able to detect them easily and quickly. They are conventionally detected in clinics using immunoassays called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, or ELISAs. Now Jing Wang and Bin Liu from the National University of Singapore have developed a test for proteins that is simpler and faster to use.rnWhilst ELISAs are sensitive they are time-consuming. The assays use antibodies on a solid substrate to bind the protein of interest so the test requires numerous surface modification and washing steps as well as detection. Wang and Liu's test uses aptamers instead of antibodies and protein detection occurs in solution rather than at a surface, which makes their assay quicker.