Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
Changes in the Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Point-of-Care Test Positivity According to MMP-9 Concentration and Loading
Jungah Huh1, Soo Youn Choi, Youngsub Eom
1Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Purpose:
To measure changes in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) point-of-care test, InflammaDry (Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc, Sarasota, FL) positivity, based on ocular surface MMP-9 concentrations and loading volume.
Methods:
Two different MMP-9 products, preform and active, were analyzed using the InflammaDry test, detecting MMP-9 levels of more than 40 ng/mL of both preform and active MMP-9. Preform MMP-9 (Natural human MMP-9 protein; Abcam, Cambridge, UK) was analyzed at different concentrations (50, 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 ng/mL) and loading volumes (5, 10, and 20 μL). Active MMP-9 (Human MMP-9 protein; Novus Biologicals, Littleton, CO) was also analyzed using the InflammaDry test at different concentrations (50 and 100 ng/mL) and loading volumes (10, 20, and 40 μL).
Results:
Natural human MMP-9 protein (preform) of 50, 100, and 500 ng/mL exhibited negative results for every loading volume. At 1000 ng/mL, the 20 μL volume was positive, whereas the 5 and 10 μL volumes were negative. At 1500 ng/mL, all loading volumes were positive, but the density of positive bands varied depending on the loading volume; larger loading volumes had higher band density. Human MMP-9 protein (active) of 50 ng/mL was negative for every loading volume. In 100 ng/mL, the 20 and 40 μL volumes showed positive results with similar positive band densities.
Conclusions:
The InflammaDry test had a different detection range depending on MMP-9 formulas; higher concentrations of preform MMP-9 protein were needed to yield positive results. In addition, InflammaDry positivity varied based on the loading volumes. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of false negatives with low tear volumes despite elevated MMP-9 concentrations.
Insights
The InflammaDry test for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) shows variable results based on MMP-9 form and tear volume. Higher concentrations of preform MMP-9 and larger tear volumes are needed for positive detection, risking false negatives.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is implicated in ocular surface inflammation.
- Point-of-care tests aim to rapidly detect biomarkers like MMP-9.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the InflammaDry point-of-care test's performance for detecting matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).
- To determine how MMP-9 concentrations and sample loading volumes affect InflammaDry test positivity.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed two forms of MMP-9 (preform and active) using the InflammaDry test.
- Tested varying concentrations (50–1500 ng/mL) and loading volumes (5–40 μL) of both MMP-9 forms.
Main Results:
- Higher concentrations of preform MMP-9 were required for positive InflammaDry results compared to active MMP-9.
- Positive results for both MMP-9 forms were dependent on loading volume, with larger volumes yielding stronger signals.
- False negatives were observed with lower tear volumes even with elevated MMP-9 levels.
Conclusions:
- InflammaDry test sensitivity varies with MMP-9 form (preform vs. active) and concentration.
- Loading volume significantly impacts InflammaDry test results, affecting band density.
- Clinicians must consider potential false negatives due to low tear volume when interpreting InflammaDry results.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cable Subjected to Concentrated Loads
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
02:32Position-effect Variegation
02:59Solution Concentration and Dilution
02:41Concentration Cells
Consider the following voltaic cell:
02:48Expressing Solution Concentration
Concentrations may be quantitatively assessed using a wide variety of measurement units, each convenient for particular applications. Molarity (M) is a useful concentration unit for many applications in chemistry.