ANTIBODY FRAGMENT CONFIGURATIONS FOR DETECTING ANALYTES

摘要

The present invention relates to methods for the detection and measurement of concentration of small molecular weight analytes by exploiting the specificity's and higher sensitivities offered by recombinant antibody configurations. The method includes the substitution of recombinant antibody fragments for intact antibodies or Fab fragments in competitive immunoassays or biosensors. In a competitive mode the method includes preincubating a known quantity of recombinant antibody fragments with the test sample containing the analyte and a fixed amount of analyte conjugated to enzyme or signal generating moiety. The recombinant fragment is then trapped through a second, non-analyte binding motif. In non-competitive immunoassay, monomeric antibody fragment and test analyte are pre-incubated and all non-analyte containing antibody removed with immobilised analyte. Analyte-bound antibody is then detected using a second motif upon the monomeric fragment. Applications of the methods of the present invention to detection of atrazine are disclosed. Further kits useful for utilising the methods of the present invention are also disclosed.