Binding assays in heterogeneous media using a flow injection system with an expanded micro-bed adsorption column

Area of Science:

• Biochemical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Immunotechnology

Background:

• Flow injection systems are versatile for competitive binding assays.
• Existing systems face limitations with samples containing particulate matter.
• Expanded bed adsorption offers potential for improved sample tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the versatility of flow injection systems for competitive binding assays.
• To develop a system capable of processing samples with particulate matter.
• To adapt immunochemical quantification for process monitoring applications.

Main Methods:

• Competitive binding assays were performed using flow injection systems.
• An expanded bed column was integrated into the adsorption step.
• Human serum albumin (HSA) immunochemical quantification was used as a model system.
• A competitive ELISA utilized peroxidase-labeled HSA.

Main Results:

• The expanded bed immunosorption column demonstrated tolerance to suspended particulate matter.
• Analytical outcomes were comparable to packed bed systems.
• The system's capability was validated with increasing yeast cell concentrations.
• The method proved suitable for process monitoring of fermentations.

Conclusions:

• Expanded bed immunosorption columns significantly enhance the robustness of flow injection assay systems.
• This technology enables reliable analysis in the presence of particulate contaminants.
• The developed system is well-suited for real-time process monitoring in biotechnological applications.