ElisaAssays

ElisaAssays, also known as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays, are a widely used laboratory technique for detecting and quantifying the presence of specific substances, typically proteins, in a liquid sample. The core principle involves the use of antibodies, which are proteins that bind specifically to their target molecules, often called antigens. In an ELISA, one or more antibodies are immobilized on a solid surface, such as a microplate well. The sample containing the potential antigen is then added. If the antigen is present, it will bind to the immobilized antibody. A second antibody, linked to an enzyme, is then introduced. This second antibody also binds to the antigen, forming a sandwich-like structure. Finally, a substrate is added, which reacts with the enzyme to produce a detectable signal, most commonly a color change. The intensity of this color is directly proportional to the amount of antigen present in the original sample. ELISAs are employed across various fields, including medical diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug screening, food safety testing for allergens, and environmental monitoring. Their sensitivity, specificity, and relative ease of use have made them a cornerstone of biochemical analysis.