Specific binding assay based on enzyme cascade amplification.

摘要

The present invention provides specific binding assay methods and reagent systems for the quantitative or qualitative determination of an analyte in a liquid medium based on heterogeneous or homogeneous protocols. In particular, the invention relates to the use of specific binding assay techniques wherein the label is a participant in or a modulator of an enzymatic reaction whereby a first enzyme acts on a first substrate to produce a second enzyme. The second enzyme can be used to catalyze a detectable response or can act on a second substrate to produce a third enzyme. The label is chosen from the first substrate or a cofactor or modulator of the first enzyme. In one embodiment, the first substrate is a zymogen which when acted upon by the first enzyme produces a second enzyme. When the final enzyme product is used to catalyze the production of a detectable response proportional of the concentration of the analyte, amplification results providing a very sensitive assay.