Immunochromatographic analysis of bovine growth hormone releasing factor involving reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-immunodetection

Quantitative determination of recombinant bovine somatotropin in commercial shrimp feed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), also known as growth hormone, is used to enhance production and development of animals within the agriculture and aquaculture industries. Its use is controversial because of its potential effects on human and animal health. To screen for rbST in shrimp feed, a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an inhibition step was developed. Sample and rbST antibody (rabbit anti-rbST) were incubated at room temperature for 30 min. Subsequently, this competitive reaction was transferred to a microplate coated with rbST, using goat antirabbit IgG linked with horseradish peroxidise as the secondary antibody. Substrates for peroxidise were added, and the absorbance at 410 nm was determined. The applicability of the method was assessed using rbST extracted from "spiked" shrimp feed samples. The assay was reproducible and linear with R(2) values greater than 0.98 over the standard curve range of 20-500 microg/g. The intra- and interday precisions expressed as relative standard deviations were 3.4 and 5.3%, respectively. The mean recovery from 15 spiked feed samples was 105%. This assay will be a valuable tool for quantitative detection of rbST by both governments and commercial companies and can be modified for other types of feed.

Applications of silica supports in affinity chromatography

The combined use of silica-based chromatographic supports with immobilized affinity ligands can be used in many preparative and analytical applications. One example is the use of silica-based affinity columns in HPLC, giving rise to a method known as high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC). This review discusses the role that silica has played in the development of affinity chromatography and HPAC and the applications of silica in these methods. This includes a discussion of the types of ligands that have been employed with silica and the methods by which these ligands have been immobilized. Various formats have also been presented for the use of silica in affinity chromatographic methods, including assays involving direct or indirect analyte detection, on-line or off-line affinity extraction, and chiral separations. The use of silica-based affinity columns in studies of biological systems based on zonal elution and frontal analysis methods will also be considered.

Heterogeneous post-column immunoreaction detection using magnetized beads and a laboratory-constructed electromagnetic separator

The nature of immune reactors allows development of quantitative analytical methods that are highly selective and can often be used directly with complex biological matrixes such as blood, plasma or urine. A major limitation of immunoassay is that antibodies are sometimes unable to discriminate structurally similar species such as drug metabolites and synthetic analogs. The problem associated with the lack of discrimination can be circumvented by coupling immunoassay with liquid chromatography post-column. The most commonly used separation method in post-column immunoreaction detection is the affinity column. Affinity columns may create undesired effects such as a compromise of the chromatographic separation efficiency, the requirement for an antibody with fast reaction kinetics and the need for flushing the column. This paper reports a post-column immunoreaction detection system coupled with a laboratory-constructed on-line magnetic separation flow chamber that is designed to overcome these problems. The system uses disposable magnetic beads as a solid-phase support for separation that can be easily removed from the system. The model analytes chosen for this study were digoxin and its metabolites due to the commercial availability of monoclonal antibodies for these compounds. Digoxin was separated using a chromatographic method prior to being interfaced through a liquid handler system to the immunoreactor. Compatibility of the HPLC mobile phase was determined to be acceptable with a mixing ratio of 1:3 between the LC fraction and immunoreagent solution. The dynamic range of the calibration curve in digoxin-spiked phosphate buffer was found to be 0.25-12 ng/ml and a quadratic fit was found to provide the best fit to the data with a correlation coefficient of 0.9974. The residual error for all standards was less than 15%. The percentage RSDs for the two controls, 2 and 10 ng/ml, were 6.88 and 4.82% (n = 6) and the percentage errors were 7.07 and -6.89% (n = 6), respectively.

On-line immunoaffinity extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay for a novel retinobenzoic acid, AM-80, in human plasma

On-line coupled immunoaffinity chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (on-line IAC-HPLC) with detection by radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed for 4-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)-carbamoyl] benzoic acid (Am-80) in human plasma. A 0.05-mL sample was directly loaded onto an immunoaffinity pre-column packed with immobilized polyclonal antibodies against Am-80. The immunoaffinity extract was then automatically introduced to reversed-phase

Coupling immunoassays with chromatographic separation techniques

Coupling immunoassays with HPLC separation techniques is becoming increasingly useful in the analysis of biological and nonbiological samples of both large and small molecules. This is because it provides both sensitivity and selectivity for molecular analysis at relatively low cost, low maintenance and with excellent potential for automation. This paper reviews application of this hyphenated approach both in the pre-column immunoextraction and post-column immunodetection modes. Systems in which immunoassays are interfaced to chromatographic separations in order to separate bound and free fractions of the immunoassay will not be included since these systems do not provide the enhanced selectivity common to hyphenated systems. Post-column immunodetection is based on various immunoassay formats such as direct detection, one-site, competitive and sandwich immunoassays. Homogeneous immunodetectors are more convenient than heterogeneous immunodectors since there are no separation and column regeneration steps involved in homogeneous immunoassays. On the other hand, heterogeneous immunoassays are generally more sensitive than homogeneous immunoassays since interfering substances are removed prior to immunodetection. Advantages and limitations for the various approaches will be discussed.

Immunoaffinity solid-phase extraction for the trace-analysis of low-molecular-mass analytes in complex sample matrices

Immunoaffinity solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents, so-called immunosorbents (ISs), are based upon molecular recognition using antibodies. Thanks to the high affinity and high selectivity of the antigen-antibody interaction, they allow a high degree of molecular selectivity and have shown to be a unique tool in the sample preparation area these last few years. Extraction and clean-up of complex biological and environmental aqueous samples are achieved in the same step and from large volumes when required. Their application to extracts from solid matrixes is solvent-free and more simple than any other clean-up procedure. Single analytes can be targeted, but since an antibody can also bind one or more analytes having structure similar to the one used for its preparation, ISs have been developed for targeting a single analyte and its metabolites. The cross-reactivity was also exploited for developing ISs that could selectively extract a whole class of structurally related compounds. This review describes the current technology used for the synthesis of the ISs, their properties and their field of application. The different parameters governing the antigen-antibody interactions and the solid-phase extraction process are discussed. Emphasis is given to the optimisation of the SPE sequence, especially to the desorption and regeneration steps. The importance of the capacity and its relationship with the analytes recovery and breakthrough volumes is highlighted for class-specific ISs. Multi-class-selective ISs are also presented. Validation studies are reviewed using various certified reference materials. Relevant examples, involving combination with chromatography in both off-line and on-line mode, illustrate the high selectivity provided in various complex matrixes. Miniaturisation is also described, since it allows high throughput of samples.

Post-column reaction detection of biotin in human plasma ultrafiltrate based on laser-induced fluorescence energy transfer in the far-red spectral region

High performance liquid chromatography followed by post-column reaction detection in the far-red spectral region provides added sensitivity and selectivity. A homogeneous fluorescence energy transfer assay in the competitive mode based on the binding of biotin and streptavidin was developed as an on-line post-column reaction detection system. The labels used for energy transfer were R-Phycoerythrin conjugated to biotin and Cyanine 5 labeled with streptavidin. The energy transfer peak was measured at 670 nm and excitation was achieved using the 488 nm line of an argon ion laser. The biotin concentration in plasma ultrafiltrate ranged from 0.024 to 6.12 ng/mL (n = 6). The precision of the two controls, 0.24 and 2. 44 ng/mL, was found to be 18.70% and 9.92% relative standard deviation respectively. Accuracy was 10.47% and 1.95% difference from spiked, respectively (n = 6). The limit of detection was 21.70 pg/mL (8.90 x 10(-11)M) calculated based on a factor of 2x the standard deviation of the blank (n = 6). The correlation coefficient for the calibration curve was found to be 0.9995. Recovery from plasma ultrafiltrate at 2.44 ng/mL was 103.40% (n = 6). Detection selectivity was indicated by the absence of background fluorescence in six different plasma samples collected from six individual donors. Endogenous levels were detected in two of the six pools of plasma ultrafiltrates.

Post-column reaction detection based on fluorescence energy transfer in the far red spectral region

Post-column reaction detection may result in enhanced analytical sensitivity and selectivity. This paper describes an on-line HPLC with post-column fluorescence energy transfer assay using biotin as a model analyte. Biotin labeled with R-phycoerythrin was used as the donor labeled ligand and streptavidin labeled with an indodicarbocyanine dye (Cy5), the acceptor labeled binder protein. The use of these labels provided a detection wavelength in the far red spectral region which is more selective for biological samples. In the on-line system, biotin was injected into the HPLC system followed by Cy5 labeled streptavidin and R-phycoerythrin labeled biotin, post-column. The mixture was incubated on-line in an open tubular reactor coil maintained at 37 degrees C. The measured response was the sensitized emission of Cy5 due to fluorescence energy transfer from R-phycoerythrin labeled biotin measured at 670 nm. Excitation was at 488 nm, which provided a large Stokes shift for reduction of scatter interference. The system was optimized with regard to the post-column reagents to obtain the minimum detectable concentration while maintaining appropriate dynamic range for the analysis of biotin. Biotin spiked in 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, showed a dynamic range of 304.0 pg/ml-122.20 ng/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.993. The limit of detection for this assay was 304.0 pg/ml. The precision calculated at the blank (n = 6) was 4.14%.

Affinity Chromatography: A Review of Clinical Applications

Affinity chromatography is a type of liquid chromatography that makes use of biological-like interactions for the separation and specific analysis of sample components. This review describes the basic principles of affinity chromatography and examines its use in the testing of clinical samples, with an emphasis on HPLC-based methods. Some traditional applications of this approach include the use of boronate, lectin, protein A or protein G, and immunoaffinity supports for the direct quantification of solutes. Newer techniques that use antibody-based columns for on- or off-line sample extraction are examined in detail, as are methods that use affinity chromatography in combination with other analytical methods, such as reversed-phase liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. Indirect analyte detection methods are also described in which immunoaffinity chromatography is used to perform flow-based immunoassays. Other applications that are reviewed include affinity-based chiral separations and the use of affinity chromatography for the study of drug or hormone interactions with binding proteins. Some areas of possible future developments are then considered, such as tandem affinity methods and the use of synthetic dyes, immobilized metal ions, molecular imprints, or aptamers as affinity ligands for clinical analytes.

Survey of recent advances in analytical applications of immunoaffinity chromatography

Methods that use immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) for sample preparation or detection are becoming increasingly popular as tools in the analysis of biological and nonbiological compounds. This paper presents an overview of immunoaffinity chromatography and examines some recent developments of this technique in analytical applications. The emphasis is placed on HPLC-based IAC methods or those that combine IAC with other instrumental techniques; however, novel approaches that employ low-performance IAC columns for chemical quantitation are also considered. Particular applications that are examined include (1) the use of IAC in the direct detection of analytes, (2) the extraction of samples by IAC prior to on- or off-line detection by other methods, (3) the use of IAC in chromatographic-based immunoassays, and (4) the development of postcolumn reactors based on IAC for the detection of analytes as they elute from other types of chromatographic columns. The advantages and limitations for each approach are considered. In addition, a summary is provided of reports in the literature that have used IAC for these various formats.

Gradient reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled on-line to receptor-affinity detection based on the urokinase receptor

A postcolumn receptor-affinity detection (RAD) was developed for the detection of urokinase and cross-reactive compounds. The analytical method consisted of gradient reversed-phase HPLC coupled on-line to a RAD system based on fluorescein-labelled urokinase receptor (fluorescein-uPAR) as reagent. Fluorescein-uPAR was added continuously to the HPLC effluent to react with analytes eluting from the LC column. Unreacted fluorescein-uPAR was removed by a short affinity column packed with an immobilised urokinase support. The analyte-bound fluorescein-uPAR fraction passes the affinity column unretained and was detected downstream by means of a fluorescence detector. An absolute detection limit of 40 fmol urokinase was obtained in the flow injection mode. In the gradient HPLC-RAD system a detection limit of 40 nM (20-microl injection, absolute amount, 800 fmol) was obtained. The present method allowed the identification of active breakdown products of urokinase both in standard samples and biological matrices.

Labeling reactions applicable to chromatography and electrophoresis of minute amounts of proteins

Chromatography and electrophoresis have become extremely valuable and important methods for the separation, purification, detection and analysis of biopolymers and HPLC/HPCE may become the premier, preferable approaches for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of most proteins, especially from recombinant materials. This includes smaller peptides, polypeptides, proteins, antibodies and all types of protein or antibody-conjugates (antibody-enzyme, protein-fluorescent probe, antibody-drug and so forth). This entire Topical Issue of Journal of Chromatography emphasizes the application of chromatography and electrophoresis to protein analysis. This particular review deals with approaches to the selective tagging or labeling of proteins at trace (minute) levels, again using either chromatography or electrophoresis, with the emphasis on modern HPLC/HPCE methods and approaches. We discuss here both pre- and post-column labeling methods and reagents, techniques for realizing selective labeling of proteins or antibodies, applicable approaches to protein preconcentration in both HPLC and HPCE areas and in general, methods for improving (lowering) detection limits for proteins utilizing chemical or physical derivatization and/or preconcentration techniques. There are really two major goals or emphases in that which follows: (1) methods for selective labeling of proteins prior to or after HPLC/HPCE and (2) labeling of proteins at trace levels for improved separation-detection and lowered detection limits. We discuss here a large number of specific references related to both pre- and post-column/capillary derivatizations for proteins, as well as methods for improved detectability in both HPLC and HPCE by, for example, analyte preconcentration on a solid-phase extractor or membrane support, capillary isotachophoresis and other methods. Selective reactions or derivatizations on proteins refers to the ability to tag the protein at specific (e.g. reactive amino sites) in a controlled manner, with the products having the same number of tags all at the very same site or sites. The products are all the same species, having the same number of tags at the same locations on the protein. Selective reactions can also refer to the idea of tagging all of the protein sample at only a single, same site or at all available sites, homogeneously.

Immunodetection approaches and high-performance immunoaffinity chromatography for an analogue of bovine growth hormone releasing factor at trace levels

An indirect detection method using high-performance immunoaffinity chromatography (HPIAC) was used to measure low levels of an analogue of bovine Growth Hormone Releasing Factor (bGHRF). An antibody (Ab) labelled with alkaline phosphate (ALP) was incubated with the bGHRF analogue to perform a complex between the antigen (Ag) and the antibody-enzyme (Ab-En) conjugate. The complex was then injected onto a cartridge containing an immobilized Ag affinity support. Species which were not recognized by the affinity cartridge, i.e. eluted, were then directly combined, via a connecting tee, with a buffer containing a substrate. Incubation proceeded on-line, inside a knitted reactor coil, under conditions of constant flow. The subsequent generation of a fluorescently active substrate product was detected by conventional means. The assay described has a linear response region from 1.0 to 25 ng of the bGHRF analogue and a limit of detection of 0.60 ng (1.7 x 10(2) femtomole, 30 p.p.b.). This approach was compared against a method in the antigen/Ab-En complex was injected onto a immobilized Ab affinity cartridge to form an antibody-antigen conjugate sandwich and subsequent stop-flow incubation with substrate.