Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

04:39
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Micro open-sandwich ELISA to rapidly evaluate thyroid hormone concentration from serum samples
Kamrun Nahar Islam1, Masaki Ihara, Jinhua Dong
1Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Bioanalysis
|November 19, 2010
Summary
This study developed a rapid and sensitive microfluidics assay for thyroxine (T4) detection. The novel system successfully measured T4 in human serum, paving the way for advanced diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Thyroxine (T4) is a critical thyroid hormone for diagnosing thyroid function.
- Existing assays require improvement in speed and sensitivity for T4 measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and sensitive microfluidics-based immunodetection chip system for T4.
- To utilize anti-T4 antibody fragments selected via phage display for assay development.
Main Methods:
- Development of a microfluidics chip system.
- Application of an open-sandwich ELISA principle using antibody variable regions (V(H) and V(L)).
- Selection of anti-T4 antibody fragments from a phage display library.
Main Results:
- Achieved detection of T4 at concentrations below 1 ng/ml.
- Demonstrated successful application of the assay for measuring total T4 in human serum.
- Established a micro open-sandwich ELISA using antibody fragments selected from immunized mice.
Conclusions:
- This represents the first micro open-sandwich ELISA utilizing antibody fragments directly selected from immunized mice.
- The developed system offers a sensitive method for T4 detection.
- The platform has potential for sensitive detection of various diagnostic markers.
Related Concept Videos
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
In 1971, Peter Perlman and Eva Engvall developed an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA or EIA). ELISA differs from western blot in that the assays are conducted in microtiter plates or in vivo rather than on an absorbent membrane.
There are many different types of ELISAs, but they all involve an antibody molecule whose constant region binds an enzyme, leaving the variable region free to bind its specific antigen. Enzyme-substrate reaction allows the antigen to be visualized or quantified.
There are many different types of ELISAs, but they all involve an antibody molecule whose constant region binds an enzyme, leaving the variable region free to bind its specific antigen. Enzyme-substrate reaction allows the antigen to be visualized or quantified.
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
