Immunoenzymatic assay of dyes currently used in affinity chromatography for protein purification

Cibacron Blue F3-GA, Basilen Blue E3-G and Procion Red HE-3B are dyes currently used in affinity purification, and are commonly determined by spectrophotometry with limited sensitivity. An assay method is described based on a specific immunochemical recognition of the dyes amplified by a final enzymatic reaction. The sensitivity is close to 1 ng/ml of dye and the method is applicable any time that sensitive and accurate results are necessary. This method has actually been applied with success to the determination of trace amounts of dyes in the presence of affinant protein. The method was also applied to the demonstration of dye leaching from affinity sorbents when treated under acidic and/or alkaline conditions.