Homogeneous indirect fluorescence quenching immunoassay for the determination of low molecular weight substances

This paper describes the principle of a homogeneous indirect fluorescence quenching immunoassay that uses monoclonal antibodies. It is a carrier-free assay system that is performed completely in solution. The assay system was established for the determination of a low molecular weight substance (hapten), the herbicide diuron, used as a model analyte. A fluorescein–monuron conjugate together with a fluorescence-quenching monoclonal anti-fluorescein antibody and an anti-analyte antibody (here an anti-diuron/monuron monoclonal antibody) were used as central components of the assay. The fluorescein–monuron conjugate can be bound either by the anti-fluorescein monoclonal antibody or by the anti-diuron/monuron monoclonal antibody. Due to steric hindrance, binding of both antibodies to the conjugate was not possible at the same time. By selecting the antibody concentrations appropriately, a dynamic equilibrium can be established that permits the preferential binding of the anti-diuron/monuron antibody to the conjugate, which allows the fluorescein in the conjugate to fluoresce. This equilibrium can be easily altered by adding free analyte (diuron), which competes with the conjugate to bind to the anti-diuron/monuron antibody. A reduction of anti-diuron/monuron antibody binding to the conjugate results in an increase in the binding of the anti-fluorescein antibody, which leads to a decrease in the fluorescence of the conjugate. The fluorescence is therefore a direct indicator of the state of equilibrium of the system and thus also the presence of free unconjugated analyte. The determination of an analyte based on this test principle does not require any washing steps. After the test components are mixed, the dynamic equilibrium is rapidly reached and the results can be obtained in less than 5 min by measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescein. We used this test principle for the determination of diuron, which was demonstrated for concentrations of ∼5 nM.     

Fluorescence immunological determination of immunoglobulin G in human serum by high-performance liquid gel-permeation chromatography

Summary A high-performance liquid gel-permeation chromatographic method is described for the determination of human serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) by separating the fluorescent immuno complex from the free fluorescence-labeled antibody. Fluorescence-labeled antibody used in this study was fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Fab fragment goat anti-human IgG (anti-IgG Fab). Immuno complexes and antibody of different molecular sizes can be separated. FITC-labeled anti-IgG Fab was added to the serum and the mixture is passed through the column. An immuno complex separates as well-delineated peak in the column void volume, and was measured by the fluorescence of the column eluate (Ex=490nm, Em=520nm). The total analysis time for a serum sample was approximately 15min. The minimum detection limit was 25 mg/dl. The relative standard deviation was below 2% (peak area). The results of the HPL-GPC analysis correlate well with those obtained by laser nephelometric assay (r=0.992).     

Selected non-ionic biological detergents enhance signal intensity of intact bovine serum albumin by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Recently, we showed that the signal intensity of intact protein by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectro-metry measurement can be enhanced at least an order of magnitude by the addition of Tween80 to the analyte solution. We did not ascertain whether this effect was limited to Tween80 or if it was more universal of biological detergents. This paper discusses our investigations into this question. A variety of chemically diverse detergents were added to analyte solutions containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) to determine whether there was significant signal enhancement. The addition of Tween20, Tween80, Triton X100 and Triton X-114 improved the attainable sensitivity of intact protein MALDI mass spectrometry compared to spectra acquired without detergent. In some cases there was considerable improvement in signal--for example, with Triton X-100 two charge states (the +1 and +2) of BSA (3.9 fmol) could easily be observed. Another advantage of this process is that the detergent can be added directly to the matrix solution reducing sample handling and preparation time. We propose this phenomenon results from the ability of these detergents to increase the solubility of the protein via hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions between the detergent and protein. The increased solubility allows for more uniform deposition of the analyte/-matrix mixtures producing an evenly distributed layer of analyte especially useful for data acquisition using an automated laser firing sequence.     

A universal surrogate peptide to enable LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of a diversity of human monoclonal antibody and human Fc-fusion protein drug candidates in pre-clinical animal studies

For the development of human antibody Fc (fraction crystallizable) region-containing therapeutic protein candidates, which can be either monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or pharmacologically active proteins/peptides fused to the Fc region of human Immunoglobulin G (IgG), reliable quantification of these proteins in animal pharmacokinetic study plasma samples is critical. LC-MS/MS has emerged as a promising assay platform for this purpose. LC-MS/MS assays used for bioanalysis of human antibody Fc region-containing therapeutic protein candidates frequently rely upon quantification of a 'signature' surrogate peptide whose sequence is unique to the protein analyte of interest. One drawback of the signature peptide approach is that a new LC-MS/MS assay must be developed for each new human Fc region-containing therapeutic protein. To address this issue, we propose an alternative 'universal surrogate peptide' approach for the quantification of human antibody Fc region-containing therapeutic protein candidates in plasma samples from all nonclinical species. A single surrogate tryptic peptide was identified in the Fc region of most human antibody Fc-containing therapeutic protein candidates. An LC-MS-MS method based upon this peptide was shown to be capable of supporting bioanalysis of a diversity of human Fc region-containing therapeutic protein candidates in plasma samples of all commonly used animal species.     

The effect of secondary structures on the generation of characteristic events during the translocation of DNA hybrid through α-hemolysin

Nanopore has been developed to be a powerful,single-molecule analytical tool for sensing ions,small organic molecules and biomacromolecules such as proteins and DNAs.Generally,the identity of the analyte can be revealed by current amplitude changes and mean dwell time of the analyte binding events.In some cases,generation of highly characteristic current events affords an alternative way of analyte determination with high confidence level.However,we found that secondary structures in DNA/RNA hybrids might severely hinder the generation of signature events during their translocation through?-hemolysin nanopore.In this report,we propose a strategy to add a certain concentration of urea in the buffer solution for single channel recordings and validate that low concentration of urea can effectively denature the secondary structures in DNA hybrids and recover the generation of signature events.This finding might be useful in other secondary structure-related nanopore sensing activities.     

荧光各向异性法快速测定荧光标记物对蛋白质的标记比

免疫荧光技术是免疫学检测的重要手段之一,该技术在病原微生物的早期诊断、自身免疫研究、抗原或抗体的免疫组化定位等方面都得到了广泛应用^[1].荧光色素对抗体(或抗原)标记比的测定是免疫荧光技术的重要部分.     

The effect of Tween80 on signal intensity of intact proteins by MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Buffers and detergents are notorious for suppression of analyte signal in electrospray and MALDI mass spectrometry and, invariably, analysts will take steps to remove these contaminants before MS analysis. However, we have found serendipitously that protein signal with MALDI MS is improved by about an order of magnitude on the addition of small amounts of Tween80. Four charged states of BSA could easily be seen at less than 125 fmol/spot and with mixture of three proteins (BSA, trypsinogen, and protein A) the molecular ions could be detected on as little as 12.5 fmol of spotted material (per protein) using an automated laser firing sequence.     

Bovine serum albumin as a universal suppressor of non-specific peptide binding in vials prior to nano-chromatography coupled mass-spectrometry analysis

Non-specific binding (NSB) is a well-known problem for any application that deals with ultralow analyte quantities. The modern nano-flow chromatography coupled tandem mass-spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) works with the lowest conceivable analyte concentrations. However, while the NSB problem is widely accepted and investigated for metabolomics and single-peptide medicine-related assays, its impact is not studied for complex peptide mixtures in proteomic applications. In this work peptide NSB to a common plastic autosampler vial was studied for a model mixture of 46 synthetic peptides. A significant NSB level was demonstrated for total peptide concentrations of up to 1 mg mL⁻¹. Different agents were tried for NSB suppression and compatibility with nanoLC-MS/MS analysis: a chaotropic agent, an amino acid mixture, a peptide mixture and a protein solution. The first two were inefficacious. The peptide matrix blocked NSB, however, it also led to analyte ionization suppression in nanoLC-MS/MS. The protein solution (0.1% BSA) efficiently eliminated NSB, while a trap-elute nanoHPLC configuration together with a small-pore reverse-phased sorbent effectively and quantitatively extracted the model peptides and depleted protein material from the sample. Higher protein concentration partially impeded peptide extraction. Thus, the 0.1% BSA solution might be regarded as an effective non-interfering blockader of NSB for sample resuspension and storage in an autosampler prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.     

BSA‐Polysaccharide Interactions at Negatively Charged Electrode Surface. Effects of Current Density.

Constant current chronopotentiometric stripping (CPS) peak H due to catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction on Hg‐containing electrodes appeared useful in the analysis of protein complexes with single‐stranded and double‐stranded DNA as well as with peptides. In dependence on stripping current (I_str), structural transition of the protein alone or in complexes can be followed as a result of the protein exposure to electric field effects. For the first time we show here that the CPS analysis can be used for the study of the interaction of BSA with a polysaccharide namely sodium alginate (SA). BSA‐SA complex formation was accompanied by the shift of the structural transition of BSA to lower ‐I_str intensities. Another polysaccharide dextran did not alter I_str‐dependent structural transition of BSA. BSA‐SA complex can be disturbed by an electric field effect or high ionic strength confirming the electrostatic nature of BSA‐SA interaction.     

Immunochemical applications in environmental science

Immunochemical methods are based on selective antibodies combining with a particular target analyte or analyte group. The specific binding between antibody and analyte can be used to detect environmental contaminants in a variety of sample matrixes. Immunoassay methods provide cost-effective, sensitive, and selective analyses for many compounds of environmental and human health concern. Immunoaffinity chromatography methods have been integrated with chromatographic methods and are also being used as efficient sample preparations prior to immunochemical or instrumental detection. Immunosensors show promise in obtaining rapid online analyses. These and other advancements in immunochemical methods continue the expansion of their role from field screening methods to highly quantitative procedures that can be easily integrated into the environmental analytical laboratory.     

Protein biosensors based on biofunctionalized conical gold nanotubes

There is increasing interest in the concept of using nanopores as the sensing elements in biosensors. The nanopore most often used is the alpha-hemolysin protein channel, and the sensor consists of a single channel embedded within a lipid bilayer membrane. An ionic current is passed through the channel, and analyte species are detected as transient blocks in this current associated with translocation of the analyte through the channel-stochastic sensing. While this is an extremely promising sensing paradigm, it would be advantageous to eliminate the very fragile lipid bilayer membrane and perhaps to replace the biological nanopore with an abiotic equivalent. We describe here a new family of protein biosensors that are based on conically shaped gold nanotubes embedded within a mechanical and chemically robust polymeric membrane. While these sensors also function by passing an ion current through the nanotube, the sensing paradigm is different from the previous devices in that a transient change in the current is not observed. Instead, the protein analyte binds to a biochemical molecular-recognition agent at the mouth of the conical nanotube, resulting in complete blockage of the ion current. Three different molecular-recognition agents, and correspondingly three different protein analytes, were investigated: (i) biotin/streptavidin, (ii) protein-G/immunoglobulin, and (iii) an antibody to the protein ricin with ricin as the analyte.     

Total protein determinations by particle beam/hollow cathode optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) system III: Investigation of carrier salts for enhanced particle transport

Particle beam hollow cathode optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) is evaluated as a generic tool for total protein determinations by monitoring the carbon atomic emission (C (I) 193.0 nm) resultant from dissociated analyte species. Previous studies demonstrated the capability of the PB/HC-OES system for total protein determinations with limits of detection for bovine serum albumin (BSA) samples being at the single-nanogram level for 200 l injections. Non-linear behavior across the concentration range in the calibration curve was observed due to the poor transport of small particles (owing to low analyte concentrations) through the PB interface. The potential use of non-volatile salts as carrier agents is investigated in the determination of protein samples by PB/HC-OES. A range of chloride salts (different cations), potassium salts (different anions), and an organic modifier (ammonium acetate) is investigated here for possible use as carriers upon addition as sample injection matrices for protein samples. The analyte response curves of BSA samples with KCl added as the sample injection matrix show higher sensitivity, better linearity (R²) and subsequently lower detection limits in comparison to those obtained with water, HCl, KNO₃ or ammonium acetate as carrier matrices.     

Development of a non-competitive immunoassay for cortisol and its application to the analysis of saliva

A general method of performing non-competitive immunoassays for a low-molecular-mass analyte was developed and applied to cortisol determination in saliva samples. The method is based on the use of a “blocking reagent”, which is able to bind to antibody sites not occupied by the analyte, and in a stronger way than the analyte itself. When an enzyme-labelled analyte is added it substitutes the analyte in the antibody complex, but not the blocking reagent. The measured signal is linearly correlated to the concentration of the complex and, consequently, to the analyte concentration. The 3σ limit of detection (LOD, 0.2 nmol l⁻¹) obtained by the above method was 10 times lower than that obtained by the corresponding ELISA. As non-competitive immunoassays reported for small molecules up to now have been no more than just approaches, the suitability of the proposed assay for cortisol quantification in a real matrix was investigated. Human saliva was chosen as a matrix because of the need for very sensitive techniques to determine salivary cortisol content. The matrix effect was offset by performing the calibration experiments in acidic conditions (pH=5.6) and adding 0.1% of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the buffer. In these conditions, the LOD was 1.4 nmol l⁻¹, which was adequate to measure normal levels of cortisol. Spiked samples were analysed and gave recoveries ranging from about 80 to 120%. Therefore, five subject samples, collected over 18 h showed salivary cortisol concentrations compatible with the circadian variation of reported normal values.     

碱性橙与蛋白间的特异性与非特异性作用荧光光谱比较

将碱性橙与抗体的作用、碱性橙与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)间的作用分别作为特异性作用和非特异性作用模型,采用荧光光谱法固定激发波长为280 nm,扫描不同温度下碱性橙与抗体和牛血清白蛋白两种相互作用,在300～600 nm的发射波长,比较了两种相互作用的差异.结果表明,碱性橙与抗体结合为单一的静态猝灭过程,二者之间的作用力主要为静电作用力;在溶液中,二者以摩尔比1∶1结合,结合常数为3.88×104 L/mol(25.C),3.73×104 L/mol(37.C)和2.35×104 L/mol (45.C);碱性橙距抗体分子色氨酸残基最短距离(r)为5.52 nm.碱性橙与BSA的结合也为静态猝灭,作用力为静电作用力.但碱性橙与抗体作用过程中形成了激基复合物,与BSA则不形成激基复合物.     

Tristimulus analysis for sensors set with either positive or negative sensitivities—determination of the relative concentration of an analyte in a binary mixture

We consider the general case of a set of three sensors that show a response proportional to analyte concentration and apply tristimulus analysis to represent the set of responses as tristimulus coordinates in a two-dimensional representation. These coordinates are a signature of the analyte and can be used for analyte identification. We extend the tristimulus analysis for cases where the sensors may present either positive or negative sensitivities, a situation in which the usual tristimulus analysis has limitations. We propose a different approach, taking the coordinates where the tristimulus vector crosses the unitary radius spherical shell, taking the angular coordinates as signature of the analyte. We also consider the case of binary mixtures and derive the set of equations that can be used to determine the relative concentration of each one of the analytes in the binary mixture from the tristimulus coordinates of the mixture.     

Linear sweep voltammetric determination of protein based on its interaction with Alizarin Red S

In this paper, the electrochemical behavior of the interaction of Alizarin Red S (ARS) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated on the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). In the acidic solution (pH 4.2), ARS can be easily reduced on the HMDE and it has a well-defined polarographic wave at −0.29 V (SCE). On addition of BSA or human serum albumin (HAS) into the ARS solution, the reduction peak current of ARS decreases without the movement of the peak potential and the appearance of new peaks. The study shows that a new electrochemically non-active complex is formed via intercalation of ARS with BSA or HSA, which can not be reduced on the Hg electrode. The decrease of reductive peak current of ARS is proportional to BSA and HSA concentration in the range of 2.0–60 and 2.0–40 mg l⁻¹, respectively. The detection limit of BSA and HSA is 1.0-mg l⁻¹. The analytical results of human serum and urine samples by this method were in good agreement with the Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 assay. The binding number and the binding interaction mechanism are also discussed.     

Optimization and development of a high-performance liquid chromatography-based one-site immunometric assay with chemiluminescence detection

Various practical and theoretical considerations were examined in the creation and optimization of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based one-site immunometric assay. This method used an HPLC analyte analog column and post-column chemiluminescence detection. The specific analyte chosen as the model for this study was l-thyroxine (also known as T₄). In this technique, a sample containing thyroxine was first combined with an excess of anti-T₄ antibody Fab fragments that had earlier been conjugated with chemiluminescent acridinium ester labels. After incubation, the mixture was injected onto a column that contained immobilized T₄. The amount of thyroxine in the original sample was then determined by measuring the labeled Fab fragments that appeared in the non-retained fraction, or the decrease in excess Fab fragments that were bound to and later eluted from the column. Items considered in creating this assay included the preparation of acridinium ester-labeled Fab fragments, the detection of these fragments with a post-column reactor, and the creation of a suitable immobilized analog column for capturing excess labeled Fab fragments. The final method could measure T₄ in standards at clinically-relevant concentrations and provided a response within 1.5 min of sample injection, following a 20-45 min incubation with the labeled Fab fragments. Possible applications of this method include its use in clinical chemistry and the screening of proteomic or combinatorial libraries.     

可生物降解肝素钠/两性壳聚糖复合物用于蛋白药物pH响应释放研究

制备了一类可生物降解肝素钠两性壳聚糖复合物(HPACS),并探索将其用于蛋白药物pH响应释放.两性壳聚糖由壳聚糖与丙烯酸加成反应得到,丙烯酸取代度可通过丙烯酸壳聚糖投料比调控;用胶体与pH浊度滴定研究了肝素钠与两性壳聚糖的复合作用,发现两组分在一定pH范围内能通过静电相互作用形成复合物,复合转变临界pH(pHΦ)与两性壳聚糖中丙烯酸取代度有关,取代度越低,pHΦ值越高.以牛血清白蛋白(BSA)为模型,测定了其在复合物中包埋及不同pH介质中的释药行为.结果表明,BSA可以在非常温和条件下有效包埋于复合物中,包埋率接近100%;BSA从复合物中释放具有很高的pH响应性,释放转变在很窄的pH范围内(<0.4pH单位)完成,释放转变临界pH(pH′Φ)可由两性壳聚糖中丙烯酸取代度调控.复合物形成和蛋白质释放在对pH依赖性上存在很好的相关性.同时还发现,在中性介质中(pH7.4),复合物对BSA具有很好的缓释作用,BSA持续释放时间可达15天左右.     

Expulsion of bovine serum albumin from the air/water interface by a sparingly soluble lecithin lipid

Dynamic surface tensiometry, ellipsometry, and infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) were used to study the dynamic adsorption and surface tensions of dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Results show that the equilibrium adsorbed layers consist mostly of DLPC, which can produce dynamic surface tensions (1 mN/m) as low as the more successful lung surfactant replacement formulations. When the aqueous surface expands and contracts sinusoidally, BSA can coadsorb and lead to slightly higher dynamic surface tensions than when DLPC is alone. Similar results were obtained with BSA and sodium myristate [McClellan and Franses, Colloids Surf. B 30 (2003) 1]. Expulsion of the BSA in the layer by DLPC can take from 5 to 15 min, depending on relative concentrations and history of solute addition. This is shown by tensiometry measurements on mixtures, and also by injecting aqueous DLPC underneath adsorbed BSA layers and probing the surface layer with ellipsometry and IRRAS. Albumin layers from buffer solutions aged up to 30 h can be expelled by DLPC. In pure water, there is an initial enhancement in protein adsorption after the DLPC is injected. This can be explained by the hypothesis that DLPC molecules bind with BSA molecules to form a hydrophobic lipoprotein complex, which is more hydrophobic than the protein itself. Since DLPC produces lower surface energy than BSA and--being slightly soluble--adsorbs to the surface by a molecular mechanism, it fulfills the thermodynamic and dynamic requirements for expelling the BSA from the surface. The results have implications for minimizing lung surfactant inhibition by serum proteins, as it occurs in the cases of adult or acute respiratory distress syndrome.     

Crystal Structure of the Fab Fragment of an Anti-factor IX Antibody 10C12

10C12 is an anticoagulant antibody identified from a phage display single-chain Fv human antibody library. It can be directed at the calcium-stabilized Gla domain of Factor-IX, an important coagulation factor in intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation cascade, and interfere with membrane anchoring of Factor IX, thus inhibiting blood coagulation function. 10C12 has been demonstrated as an effective anti-coagulant in attenuating thrombosis in several different animal models. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Fab fragment of 10C12. The crystal contains two Fab molecules in the asymmetric unit with identical conformation, forming a lattice with large cavities. In addition, comparison of this free Fab with the antigen-bound structure of 10C12 shows no change in CDR conformations and the relative disposition of the variable subunits of H and L chains, suggesting the rigid conformation of this 10C12 Fab and a lock-and-key mechanism of antibody-antigen recognition for 10C12.