ISOstrates

ISOstrates are a type of synthetic substrate used in various scientific applications, particularly in molecular biology and diagnostics. They are designed to mimic the properties of natural substrates or to provide a stable and well-defined surface for assays. The term "ISOstrate" is often used generically to refer to such artificial surfaces, although specific proprietary materials may have their own brand names. These substrates are engineered to offer consistent performance and to avoid batch-to-batch variations that can occur with natural biological materials.

The primary function of ISOstrates is to support the immobilization of biomolecules, such as antibodies, antigens, DNA probes, or enzymes. This immobilization is crucial for techniques like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), lateral flow assays, microarrays, and biosensors. The surface chemistry of ISOstrates can be modified to enhance binding affinity, specificity, and stability of the attached molecules. Common materials used in their fabrication include polymers like polystyrene, nitrocellulose, or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), chosen for their inertness, porosity, and ability to bind biomolecules.

The advantages of using ISOstrates include their reproducibility, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness compared to some natural substrates. They are also amenable to mass production, allowing for standardized diagnostic kits and research tools. The development of novel ISOstrates continues to be an area of research, focusing on improving sensitivity, reducing non-specific binding, and integrating them with advanced detection technologies for more sophisticated analytical platforms.