Method for solubilizing microbial protein obtained from Chlamydia trachomatis

摘要

A method of specimen treatment preparatory to conducting an immunoassay is disclosed whereby a microbial protein is solubilized by a detergent at elevated temperatures and in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal ion. At elevated temperatures, the detergent is soluble. However, at lower temperatures, the presence of the metal ion renders the detergent insoluble so that it is prevented from interacting in the immunoassay procedure. A specific application is in the solubilization of the principal outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis.