Effect of polymers on enhanced chemiluminescent assays for peroxidase and peroxidase labels

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxybutyl methylcellulose stabilized light emission in a boronic acid-enhanced chemiluminescent assay for horseradish peroxidase. The stabilization of light emission was concentration-dependent and more effective with substituted boronic acid enhancers (e.g. 4-iodophenylboronic acid) than with substituted phenol enhancers (e.g. 4-iodophenol). Hydroxybutyl methylcellulose improved the linearity of the dose-response curve in a peroxidase-based antioxidant assay and stabilized light emission post-consumption of the antioxidant (Trolox). This polymer had no effect on the signal from a peroxidase label immobilized on a membrane (dot blot) or on the inside surface of a microwell in an enzyme immunoassay for thyrotropin.