immunoelectrodiffusion

Immunoelectrodiffusion, also known as immunoelectrophoresis, is a laboratory technique used to identify and quantify antigens in a sample. It is a combination of two older techniques, immunodiffusion and electrophoresis. The process involves the separation of proteins in a sample using electrophoresis, followed by the detection of specific antigens using an antibody.

The technique begins with the application of an electric field to a gel containing the sample. This causes the proteins in the sample to migrate through the gel at a rate determined by their size and charge. Once the proteins have separated, a second gel is layered on top of the first. This second gel contains antibodies specific to the antigens in the sample. As the antibodies diffuse through the gel, they encounter and bind to their corresponding antigens, forming a visible precipitation line.

The position of the precipitation line on the gel corresponds to the size and charge of the antigen, allowing for its identification. The intensity of the line is proportional to the concentration of the antigen in the sample, enabling quantification. Immunoelectrodiffusion is widely used in clinical laboratories for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions characterized by the presence of specific antigens. It is a valuable tool for researchers studying the immune system and protein interactions.