Signal enhancement in immunoassay by modulation of chemical catalysis

摘要

A method for immunoassay for a ligand suspected to be present in a fluid includes use of an enzyme, a metal ion catalyst for an indicator reaction and a blocked modulator for the catalyst. Ligand present in the fluid binds to an antiligand. The resulting bound fraction activates the enzyme to unblock the modulator. The free modulator activates or inhibits the catalyst thereby modulating the rate of an indicator reaction between a substrate and a redox reagent. The presence of absence of the ligand in the fluid is indicated by a signal, such as a color change or a rate of color change, consequent to the indicator reaction. The invention includes a kit of materials useful for performing the method of the invention.