ELISAmenetelmässä

ELISAmenetelmässä, which translates to ELISA method in English, refers to Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. This is a widely used laboratory technique for detecting and quantifying substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones. The core principle of ELISA relies on the specific binding of an antibody to its target antigen.

The basic ELISA involves coating a solid surface, typically a microplate well, with either an antigen or an antibody. Then, a sample containing the substance to be detected is added. If the substance is present, it will bind to the immobilized molecule. Subsequently, a second antibody, conjugated to an enzyme, is added. This enzyme-linked antibody binds to the captured substance, if it is present. Finally, a substrate is added, which the enzyme converts into a detectable signal, usually a color change. The intensity of this signal is directly proportional to the amount of the target substance in the sample.

There are several variations of the ELISA method, including direct, indirect, sandwich, and competitive ELISA, each adapted for different analytical needs and sample types. Direct ELISA is the simplest, where the enzyme-conjugated antibody binds directly to the antigen. Indirect ELISA uses an unlabeled primary antibody to capture the antigen, followed by a labeled secondary antibody that binds to the primary antibody. Sandwich ELISA involves capturing the antigen between two antibodies. Competitive ELISA measures the amount of a sample analyte by observing how much of a labeled analyte competes for binding to a limited amount of antibody. ELISA is a versatile and sensitive technique employed in diagnostics, research, and quality control.