Overview of membranes and membrane plates used in research and diagnostic ELISPOT assays

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane-bottomed, 96-well plates and 8-well strips constitute the formats in which the overwhelming majority of ELISPOT assays used in research and diagnostic applications are performed. PVDF is well suited for ELISPOT because it has a high antibody-binding capacity and because its white color provides an excellent backdrop for ELISPOT enumeration. Nitrocellulose (NC) and PVDF membranes and 96-well plates containing those membranes used in ELISPOT assays were initially commercialized for filtration applications and later optimized for a range of different protein analytical applications. An overview of the development and biotechnology applications of PVDF membrane is provided. Characteristics and attributes of the membrane that are relevant to ELISPOT are summarized. Enhancements in PVDF membrane performance and optimization of devices for automation compatible and diagnostic ELISPOT applications are presented.