Synthesis of diagnostic test kits for syphilis with polymeric particles

This investigation aimed to derive alternative guidelines for syphilis. In the first step of this study monodisperse PGMA particles were synthesised by dispersion polymerization of the GMA monomer by using AIBN as initiator and PAA as stabilizator. A series of characterization experiments were done. In the second step of the study the characterized particles were used as microcarriers for the immobilization of the natural antigen for the purpose of diagnosing syphilis. The covalent binding method was used and GA was utilized as a spacer arm. The optimum immobilization conditions for the binding of natural antigen onto the particles were determined. In the third and the last step of the study the agglutination tests were realized with in vitro experiments by using both serum samples taken from syphilis patients and positive controls. After these experiments the kits chosen among the ones showing high performance were compared with the commercial RPR kit being used widely by reacting with serially diluted positive controls and patient serums. After this comparison the performances of the synthesized kits were found as satisfactory as the commercial kits.