Apparatus for classifying a target ligand which is associated with cell material

摘要

The invention concerns an apparatus for carrying out ligand receptor classifications where the target ligand is associated with cell material. The apparatus comprises a first part in the form of a membrane or a filter 20 to which is bound a receptor for the ligand or which can extract ligand-bearing cells from a sample of liquid. The apparatus further comprises a second part which consists of an absorbent material 22 which comes into operation when it is in contact with the first part to induce a flow through the first part 20 when a sample of liquid is applied to this. The apparatus is used for carrying out classifications by placing a sample on the upper surface of the first part 20 in order to bind the ligand in the sample by means of a receptor, which is fixed in the first part or, in certain cases, by extracting the cell material with which the ligand is associated. After the addition of the sample there typically follows the addition of a marked antibody to the antigen which is classified, after which there is a washing stage to remove unfixed marked receptors. The presence of marked antibodies in the first part after the washing indicates the presence of antigens in the sample which is being classified. In a preferred embodiment the ligand is an antigen and the receptor is an antibody.