Author: Dr. Gopal Garg
Volume: 01
First Online: 31 August 2024
Pages: 310-313
DOI:

AB Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are widely used analytical techniques that leverage the specificity of antibodies and the catalytic properties of enzymes to detect and quantify antigens or antibodies in a sample. The principle of EIAs is based on the use of an enzyme-labeled antibody or antigen that reacts with a substrate to produce a detectable signal, usually a color change. The procedure typically involves coating a solid surface with a capture antibody, adding the sample containing the target antigen, and then introducing an enzyme-labeled detection antibody. After the binding reaction, a substrate is added, and the enzyme catalyzes a reaction that produces a measurable signal, which correlates with the amount of target antigen in the sample. Figures of EIAs often depict the steps of the assay, including antigen capture, enzyme-antibody binding, and signal detection. The main advantage of EIAs is their high sensitivity and specificity, as well as their ability to produce quantitative results rapidly. They are also relatively safe and easy to perform compared to radioimmunoassay, as they do not require handling radioactive materials. EIAs are used extensively in clinical diagnostics for detecting hormones, proteins, and infectious agents. They are also valuable in pharmaceutical research for drug development and monitoring, as well as in environmental testing to detect pollutants and contaminants. The robustness and versatility of EIAs make them indispensable tools in both research and diagnostic laboratories.