Open sandwich ELISA: a novel immunoassay based on the interchain interaction of antibody variable region

Detection of calcitonin gene-related peptide based on increased antigen-driven interaction with antibody variable regions

Introduction: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is involved in trigeminal neuralgia and migraine, and measuring the CGRP concentration in the serum is crucial for the early prediction of these conditions. Current methods for CGRP detection are primarily radioimmunoassay, which needs radioactive substances and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) which need long detection time and some have a narrow detection range. Methods: The genes of anti-CGRP antibody variable regions were cloned into pDong1 vector to obtain pDong1/Fab-CGRP, with which phage-Fab was prepared, and the concentration of CGRP was detected by competitive ELISA. The pDong1/Fab-CGRP was modified to obtain pDong1/OS-CGRP, with which the co-expression solution containing phage-displayed heavy chain variable fragments (phage-VH) and light chain was obtained. CGRP was detected by OS-ELISA based on phage-VH, antibody light chain, and anti-light chain antibody. The VL gene was cloned into the pMAL vector to obtain pMAL-VL (CGRP), with which maltose binding protein fused with VL (MBP-VL) was prepared. CGRP was detected by OS-ELISA employing MBP-VL and phage-VH. Results: OS-ELISAs that measure the CGRP concentration by quantifying the interaction between variable regions were investigated. OS-ELISA using phage-VH and secreted light chains in the same culture system exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 nM, offering higher sensitivity than competitive assay with an LOD of 0.75 nM, whereas using phage-VH and separately prepared MBP-VL exhibited an LOD of 0.15 nM and a broader detection range of 0.15-500 nM than competitive ELISA, whose detection range was 0.75-10 nM. Discussion: The combination of the two OS assays achieved high sensitivity and a broad detection range for CGRP, which may have significance in clinical applications.

A breakthrough of immunoassay format for hapten: recent insights into noncompetitive immunoassays to detect small molecules

Immunoassay based on the antibodies specific for targets has advantages of high sensitivity, simplicity and low cost, therefore it has received more attention in recent years, especially for the rapid detection of small molecule chemicals present in foods, diagnostics and environments. However, limited by low molecular weight and only one antigenic determinant existed, immunoassays for these small molecule chemicals, namely hapten substances, were commonly performed in a competitive immunoassay format, whose sensitivities were obviously lower than the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay generally adaptable for the protein targets. In order to break through the bottleneck of detection format, researchers have designed and established several novel noncompetitive immunoassays for the haptens in the past few years. In this review, we focused on the four representative types of noncompetitive immunoassay formats and described their characteristics and applications in rapid detection of small molecules. Meanwhile, a systematic discussion on the current technologies challenges and the possible solutions were also summarized. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current state-of-the-art in noncompetitive immunoassay for small molecules, and inspire the development of novel designs for small molecule detection.

Serum immunoglobulin or albumin binding single-domain antibodies that enable tailored half-life extension of biologics in multiple animal species

Single-domain antibody fragments (sdAbs) can be isolated from heavy-chain-only antibodies that occur in camelids or the heavy chain of conventional antibodies, that also occur in camelids. Therapeutic application of sdAbs is often complicated by their low serum half-life. Fusion to sdAb that bind to long-lived serum proteins albumin or IgG can prolong serum half-life of fusion partners. Such studies mostly focused on human application. For half-life prolongation in multiple animal species novel species cross-reacting sdAb are needed. We here describe the isolation from immunized llamas of sdAbs G6 and G13 that bound IgG of 9-10 species analysed, including horse, dog, cat, and swine, as well as sdAb A12 that bound horse, dog, swine and cat albumin. A12 bound albumin with 13 to 271 nM affinity dependent on the species. G13 affinity was difficult to determine by biolayer interferometry due to low and heterogeneous signals. G13 and G6 compete for the same binding domain on Fab fragments. Furthermore, they both lack the hallmark residues typical of camelid sdAbs derived from heavy-chain antibodies and had sequence characteristics typical of human sdAbs with high solubility and stability. This suggests they are derived from conventional llama antibodies. They most likely bind IgG through pairing with VL domains at the VH-VL interface rather than a paratope involving complementarity determining regions. None of the isolated sdAb interfered with FcRn binding to albumin or IgG, and thus do not prevent endosomal albumin/IgG-sdAb complex recycling. Fusions of albumin-binding sdAb A12 to several tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) binding sdAbs prolonged the terminal serum half-life in piglets to about 4 days, comparable to authentic swine albumin. However, G13 conferred a much lower half-life of 0.84 days. Similarly, in horse, G13 prolonged half-life to only 1.2 days whereas A12 fused to two TeNT binding domains (T6T16A12) had a half-life of 21 days. The high half-life of T6T16A12, which earlier proved to be a highly potent TeNT antitoxin, further supports its therapeutic value. Furthermore, we have identified several additional sdAbs that enable tailored half-life extension of biologicals in multiple animal species.

Target-dependent RNA polymerase as universal platform for gene expression control in response to intracellular molecules

Controlling gene expression in response to specific molecules is an essential technique for regulating cellular functions. However, current platforms with transcription and translation regulators have a limited number of detectable molecules to induce gene expression. Here to address these issues, we present a Target-dependent RNA polymerase (TdRNAP) that can induce RNA transcription in response to the intracellular target specifically recognized by single antibody. By substituting the fused antibody, we demonstrate that TdRNAPs respond to a wide variety of molecules, including peptides, proteins, RNA, and small molecules, and produce desired transcripts in human cells. Furthermore, we show that multiple TdRNAPs can construct orthogonal and multilayer genetic circuits. Finally, we apply TdRNAP to achieve cell-specific genome editing that is autonomously triggered by detecting the target gene product. TdRNAP can expand the molecular variety for controlling gene expression and provide the genetic toolbox for bioengineering and future therapeutic applications.

A Proof-of-Concept Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Development for Small Molecules

A sandwich immunoassay theoretically exhibits higher sensitivity and specificity compared to a competitive counterpart; however, it is extremely difficult to obtain a pair of antibodies that can bind to a small molecule simultaneously, which is always thought to be a single epitope. In the present study, abamectin (ABM) was selected to prove the effect of hapten design and antibody recognition properties on the development of a sandwich immunoassay for small molecules. First, the epitopes of ABM were roughly located, and epitope distances were determined. Then, two haptens were designed by introducing spacer arms at the C4″-OH and C5-OH of ABM, respectively, aiming to provide the longest epitope distances. A total of seven rabbit polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and 21 mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with various recognition properties were obtained. Extensive combinatorial associations of antibody pairs for simultaneously binding to ABM were performed, and only two mAb-mAb pairs were observed to achieve a sandwich immunoassay for ABM with a total success rate of 0.27%. The best mAb pair for sandwich immunoassay was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance, used to develop a sandwich immunoassay, and then evaluated by cross-reactivities and molecular docking with structurally similar analogues and abamectin. Altogether, the study provided a theoretical foundation as well as practical experience and demonstrated the importance of careful hapten design and extensive antibody screening to successfully establish the sandwich immunoassay for small molecules.

Microfluidic antibody affinity profiling of alloantibody-HLA interactions in human serum

Antibody profiling is a fundamental component of understanding the humoral response in a wide range of disease areas. Most currently used approaches operate by capturing antibodies onto functionalised surfaces. Such measurements of surface binding are governed by an overall antibody titre, while the two fundamental molecular parameters, antibody affinity and antibody concentration, are challenging to determine individually from such approaches. Here, by applying microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS), we show how we can overcome this challenge and demonstrate reliable quantification of alloantibody binding affinity and concentration of alloantibodies binding to Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), an extensively used clinical biomarker in organ transplantation, both in buffer and in crude human serum. Capitalising on the ability to vary both serum and HLA concentrations during MDS, we show that both affinity and concentration of HLA-specific antibodies can be determined directly in serum when neither of these parameters is known. Finally, we provide proof of principle in clinical transplant patient sera that our assay enables differentiation of alloantibody reactivity against HLA proteins of highly similar structure, providing information not attainable through currently available techniques. These results outline a path towards detection and in-depth profiling of humoral immunity and may enable further insights into the clinical relevance of antibody reactivity in clinical transplantation and beyond.

Recent progress in homogeneous immunosensors based on fluorescence or bioluminescence using antibody engineering

Homogeneous immunosensors integrate the advantages of both biosensors and immunoassays; they include speed, high sensitivity, and accuracy. They have been developed rapidly in the past few years and offer a cost-effective alternative technology with rapidity, sensitivity, and user-friendliness, which has been applied in a wide variety of applications. This review introduces the current directions of immunosensor development, focusing on fluorescent and bioluminescent immunosensors and highlighting the advantages, improvements, and key approaches to overcome the limitations of each.

Creating a Thermostable β-Glucuronidase Switch for Homogeneous Immunoassay by Disruption of Conserved Salt Bridges at Diagonal Interfaces

Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase (GUS) has been used as a reporter enzyme in molecular biology and engineered as an enzyme switch for the development of homogeneous biosensors. In this study, we developed a thermostable GUS enzyme switch based on the thermostable GUS mutant TR3337 by disrupting a conserved salt bridge (H514-E523) between the diagonal subunits of its homotetramer. A combinatorial library (240 variants) was screened using a novel high-throughput strategy, which led to the identification of mutant DLW (H514D/M516L/Y517W) as a functional enzyme switch in a caffeine-recognizing immunosensor. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to predict the topology change around position 514, and a side-chain flip of D514 (repulsion with E523) was observed in the DLW mutant. Up to 1.8-fold of signal-to-background ratio was confirmed when measured at up to 45 °C, thereby highlighting the DLW mutant as a versatile tool for developing thermostable immunosensors for in vitro and in cellulo applications.

The Patrol Yeast: A new biosensor armed with antibody-receptor chimera detecting a range of toxic substances associated with food poisoning

Baker's yeast is an attractive host with established safety and stability characteristics. Many yeast-based biosensors have been developed, but transmembrane signal transduction has not been used to detect membrane-impermeable substances using antigen-antibody interactions. Therefore, we created Patrol Yeast, a novel yeast-based immunosensor of various targets, particularly toxic substances in food. A membrane-based yeast two-hybrid system using split-ubiquitin was successfully used to detect practically important concentration ranges of caffeine and aflatoxins using separated variable regions of an antibody. Moreover, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 was detected using a specific single-chain antibody, in which Zymolyase was added to partially destroy the cell wall. The incorporation of secreted Cypridina luciferase reporter further simplified the signal detection procedures without cell lysis. The methodology is more cost-effective and faster than using mammalian cells. The ability to detect various targets renders Patrol Yeast a valuable tool for ensuring food and beverage safety and addressing other environmental and technological issues.

Isolated Variable Domains of an Antibody Can Assemble on Blood Coagulation Factor VIII into a Functional Fv-like Complex

Single-chain variable fragments (scFv) are antigen-recognizing variable fragments of antibodies (FV) where both subunits (V_L and V_H) are connected via an artificial linker. One particular scFv, iKM33, directed against blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) was shown to inhibit major FVIII functions and is useful in FVIII research. We aimed to investigate the properties of iKM33 enabled with protease-dependent disintegration. Three variants of iKM33 bearing thrombin cleavage sites within the linker were expressed using a baculovirus system and purified by two-step chromatography. All proteins retained strong binding to FVIII by surface plasmon resonance, and upon thrombin cleavage, dissociated into V_L and V_H as shown by size-exclusion chromatography. However, in FVIII activity and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 binding assays, the thrombin-cleaved iKM33 variants were still inhibitory. In a pull-down assay using an FVIII-affinity sorbent, the isolated V_H, a mixture of V_L and V_H, and intact iKM33 were carried over via FVIII analyzed by electrophoresis. We concluded that the isolated V_L and V_H assembled into scFv-like heterodimer on FVIII, and the isolated V_H alone also bound FVIII. We discuss the potential use of both protease-cleavable scFvs and isolated Fv subunits retaining high affinity to the antigens in various practical applications such as therapeutics, diagnostics, and research.

Open sandwich fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of soy isoflavone glycosides

To detect major soy isoflavone glycosides, namely daidzin (DZ) and genistin (GEN), novel open sandwich fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (os-FLISA) was developed by taking advantage of enhanced interactions between variable regions of heavy (VH) and light chain (VL) domains in the presence of an antigen. The VH and VL genes were expressed in Escherichia coli as a chimera protein with green fluorescence protein (AcGFP1) and maltose-binding protein (MBP), respectively. Comprehensive characterization of os-FLISA displayed nearly the same specificity as parental DZ- and GEN-specific monoclonal antibody, demonstrating the potential of the developed assay for detection of both DZ and GEN. Their detectable range in this system exhibited at 0.1-12.5 μg mL-1. Subsequent validation analysis revealed that os-FLISA was reliable and accurate system for detection of total soy isoflavone glycosides. Notably, this is the first FLISA based on an open sandwich system, which can be employed for the detection of small molecules.

Rapid conversion of IgG to biosensor using an antibody-binding protein-based probe

We successfully developed a fluorescent probe that can quickly convert full-length antibodies to Quenchbodies, which represent a type of fluorescent immunosensor with high binding affinity and specificity depending on the reaction of antigens and antibodies. An anti-testosterone IgG was successfully converted to an immunosensor that detects testosterone with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.76 nM and concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC₅₀) of 61.5 nM. Another IgG-based immunosensor detected ractopamine with an LOD of 15.5 pM and EC₅₀ of 48.6 nM.

One-pot colorimetric detection of molecules based on proximity proteolysis reaction

Various types of molecules serve as biomarkers of diseases, and numerous methods have been reported to detect and quantify them. Recently, research efforts have been made to develop point-of-care (POC) tests, which contribute to early diagnoses of diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. An assay performed in a homogeneous phase is an obvious route to develop these methods. Here, simple homogeneous methods based on proximity proteolysis reactions (PPR) are reported to detect biological molecules. A typical PPR system has been designed such that the proteolysis reaction between protease and zymogen is enhanced in the presence of a target analyte. The activated zymogen generates a color signal by hydrolyzing a chromophore. A protease and zymogen are linked to target binders using specific hybridization between complementary single-stranded DNAs, and several molecules, including proteins, antibodies, aptamers, and small molecules, are used as target binders. The developed assay methods successfully detected several kinds of analytes at subnanomolar concentrations with the one-step procedure and color signal. The modular design of the PPR-based assay will enable the development of simple POC diagnostics for various biomarkers.

An enhanced open sandwich immunoassay by molecular evolution for noncompetitive detection of Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid

Open sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (OS-ELISA), a novel noncompetitive immunoassay format, has shown great potential in rapid detection for small molecules compared with traditional competitive format. Here, an enhanced OS-ELISA towards the mycotoxin tenuazonic acid (TeA) was developed for the first time based on heavy chain variable region (V_H) and light chain variable region (V_L) from the hybridoma cells (3F10) producing anti-TeA monoclonal antibody (mAb). The established OS-ELISA exhibited a limit of detection of 0.08 ng/mL, and was 13 times more sensitive than mAb-based indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA). The proposed assay was also applied to detect TeA contents in juice, flour and tomato ketchup samples with satisfactory recoveries of 87.6%-111.3%. Finally, the great accuracy of the established OS-ELISA method was validated by the standard ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

Construction of a full-length antibody phage display vector

Antibody phage display technology plays an important role in the development of monoclonal antibodies, humanization, and affinity evolution of antibodies. Thus far, antibody phage display mainly focuses on the display of antibody variable region or antigen-binding fragments. In this study, we constructed a new phage display system that can display full-length IgG antibodies on M13 phage. The phage display vector contains open reading frames (ORFs) encoding full-length the heavy and light chains of the antibody. NcoI/XhoI restriction enzyme sites were used to clone the variable region of the heavy chain into the heavy chain ORF, and SalI/NotI sites were used to clone the light chain variable region. SnaBI and SbfI restriction enzyme sites were designed between the cloning sites of heavy and light chains, respectively, to increase the cloning efficiency. The full-length antibodies of nivolumab against programmed death factor 1, trastuzumab against human epidermal growth factor 2, diL2K against the cluster of differentiation 3 epsilon, and adalimumab against tumor necrosis factor- alpha were displayed on phage with the vector. Phage-displayed antibodies showed their original antigen-binding activity. An amber codon shifted the vector to express IgG in non-suppressed Escherichia coli. The heavy and light chains of the E. coli-expressed antibodies could be detected through western blotting, and the antigen-binding activity was confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biopanning was carried out with a model phage display antibody library, and the results showed that the novel phage system could be used for antibody library construction and highly efficient antibody screening. The reported system is the first full-length antibody phage display system.

Trace Biomolecule Detection with Functionalized Janus Particles by Rotational Diffusion

Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells in innate and adaptive immune systems. Abnormal cytokine secretion is often regarded as an early cue of dysregulation of homeostasis due to diseases or infections. Early detection allows early medical intervention. In this study, a natural phenomenon called rotational Brownian motion was characterized by Janus particles and its potential use in detection of trace biomolecules explored. Through the functionalization of the Janus particles with an antibody, the target cytokine, that is, tumor necrosis factor-α, was measured in terms of rotational diffusion. Rotational diffusion is highly sensitive to the particle volume change according to the Stokes-Einstein-Debye relation and can be quantified by blinking signal. Accordingly, 1 μm half-gold and half-fluorescent microbeads were conjugated with 200 nm nanobeads through sandwiched immunocomplexes. The light source, lead time for stabilization, and purification were investigated for optimization. Particle images can be captured with green light at 5 Hz within 300 s. Under such conditions, the functionalized Janus particles eventually achieved a limit of detection of 1 pg/mL. The rotational diffusometry realized by Janus particles was power-free and feasible for ultrasensitive detection, such as early disease detection.

Application of phage-display developed antibody and antigen substitutes in immunoassays for small molecule contaminants analysis: A mini-review

Toxic small molecule contaminants (SMCs) residues in food threaten human health. Immunoassays are popular and simple techniques for SMCs analysis. However, immunoassays based on polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies and chemosynthetic antigens have some defects, such as complicated preparation of antibodies, risk of toxic haptens using for antigen chemosynthesis and so on. Phage-display technique has been proven to be an attractive alternative approach to producing antibody and antigen substitutes of SMCs, and opened up new realms for developing immunoassays of SMCs. These substitutes contain five types, including anti-idiotypic recombinant antibody (AIdA), anti-immune complex peptide (AIcP), anti-immune complex recombinant antibody (AIcA) and anti-SMC recombinant antibody (anti-SMC RAb). In this review, the principle of immunoassays based on the five types of substitutes, as well as their application and advantages are summarized and discussed.

DNA Microsystems for Biodiagnosis

Researchers are continuously making progress towards diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases. However, there are still major issues that are presenting many challenges for current medical diagnosis. On the other hand, DNA nanotechnology has evolved significantly over the last three decades and is highly interdisciplinary. With many potential technologies derived from the field, it is natural to begin exploring and incorporating its knowledge to develop DNA microsystems for biodiagnosis in order to help address current obstacles, such as disease detection and drug resistance. Here, current challenges in disease detection are presented along with standard methods for diagnosis. Then, a brief overview of DNA nanotechnology is introduced along with its main attractive features for constructing biodiagnostic microsystems. Lastly, suggested DNA-based microsystems are discussed through proof-of-concept demonstrations with improvement strategies for standard diagnostic approaches.

Graphene Field Effect Transistor-Based Immunosensor for Ultrasensitive Noncompetitive Detection of Small Antigens

Due to its high carrier mobility, graphene is considered a suitable material for use in field-effect transistors. However, its application to immunosensing of small molecules is still elusive. To investigate the potential of graphene field effect transistors (G-FET) as a sensor for small molecules with small or no charge, we applied the open-sandwich immunoassay (OS-IA), which detects low-molecular-weight antigens noncompetitively, to G-FET. Using an antibody variable fragment V_L immobilized on graphene and a hyperacidic region of amyloid precursor protein fused to the other variable fragment V_H, we successfully detected a small antigen peptide consisting of 7 amino acids (BGP-C7), with a more than 100-fold increase in sensitivity compared with that measured by enzyme-linked OS-IA. Furthermore, we succeeded in detecting BGP-C7 in the presence of human serum with similar sensitivity, suggesting its potential application in clinical diagnostics.

On-target restoration of a split T cell-engaging antibody for precision immunotherapy

T cell-engaging immunotherapies are changing the landscape of current cancer care. However, suitable target antigens are scarce, restricting these strategies to very few tumor types. Here, we report on a T cell-engaging antibody derivative that comes in two complementary halves and addresses antigen combinations instead of single molecules. Each half, now coined hemibody, contains an antigen-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to either the variable light (V_L) or variable heavy (V_H) chain domain of an anti-CD3 antibody. When the two hemibodies simultaneously bind their respective antigens on a single cell, they align and reconstitute the original CD3-binding site to engage T cells. Employing preclinical models for aggressive leukemia and breast cancer, we show that by the combinatorial nature of this approach, T lymphocytes exclusively eliminate dual antigen-positive cells while sparing single positive bystanders. This allows for precision targeting of cancers not amenable to current immunotherapies.

The restriction of appropriate tumour-specific antigens is a current limitation for T cell-engaging immunotherapy. Here, the authors have designed a new system constituted by two halve antibodies, which engage T cells once binding to two different antigens, to specifically eliminate double positive cells in preclinical leukemia and breast cancer mouse models.

A novel murine antibody and an open sandwich immunoassay for the detection of clenbuterol

Clenbuterol (CLEN) is a sympathomimetic amine used as a decongestant and bronchodilator while treating breathing disorders. It is also used in food-producing animals as it improves the rate of red meat production. However, it is prohibited in many countries nowadays due to human health and safety concerns. Unfortunately, the illegal use of CLEN is still rampant. Thus, monitoring it in food and livestock is important. Here, we report a novel murine antibody and an open sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (OS-ELISA) to detect CLEN based on antigen-antibody reactions. The genes of antibody variable regions in mice immunized with CLEN conjugated with bovine serum albumin were cloned into a phagemid (pDong1/Fab) to construct a phage-display antibody library, from which a novel antibody, A12, was selected. Then, an OS-ELISA was developed to detect CLEN using separated variable regions of the A12 antibody. The limit of detection of the assay was found to be 8 ng/mL, which was useful for monitoring CLEN usage.

Polymeric Nanofilter Biointerface for Potentiometric Small-Biomolecule Recognition

In this paper, we propose a novel concept of a biointerface, a polymeric nanofilter, for the potentiometric detection of small biomolecules using an extended-Au-gate field-effect transistor (EG-Au-FET). A Au electrode has the potential capability to detect various small biomolecules with ultrasensitivity at nM levels on the basis of a surface redox reaction, but it exhibits no selective response to such biomolecules. Therefore, a suitable polymeric nanofilter is designed and modified on the Au electrode, so that a small target biomolecule reaches the Au surface, resulting in an electrical signal, whereas low-molecular-weight interferences not approaching the Au surface are captured in the polymeric nanofilter. The polymeric nanofilter is composed of two layers. The first layer is electrografted as an anchor layer by a cyclic voltammetry method. Then, a filtering layer is precisely polymerized as the second layer by a photo-mediated surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization method. The thickness and density of the polymeric nanofilter are controlled to specifically detect a small target biomolecule with high sensitivity. As a model case, l-cysteine as the small target biomolecule at nM levels is specifically detected by filtering l-DOPA as a low-molecular-weight interference using the polymeric nanofilter-grafted EG-Au-FET on the basis of the following mechanism. The phenylboronic acid (PBA) that copolymerizes with the polymeric nanofilter captures l-DOPA through diol binding, whereas l-cysteine reaches the Au surface through the filter layer. The polymeric nanofilter can also effectively prevent the interaction between biomacromolecules such as albumin and the Au electrode. A platform based on a polymeric nanofilter-grafted EG-Au-FET biosensor is suitable for the ultrasensitive and specific detection of a small biomolecule in biological samples such as tears and sweat, which include small amounts of low-molecular-weight interferences, which generate nonspecific electrical signals.

Peptide binding affinity redistributes preassembled repeat protein fragments

Designed armadillo repeat proteins (dArmRPs) are modular peptide binders composed of N- and C-terminal capping repeats Y and A and a variable number of internal modules M that each specifically recognize two amino acids of the target peptide. Complementary fragments of dArmRPs obtained by splitting the protein between helices H1 and H2 of an internal module show conditional and specific assembly only in the presence of a target peptide (Michel, E., Plückthun, A., and Zerbe, O. (2018). Peptide-guided assembly of repeat protein fragments. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57, 4576–4579). Here, we investigate dArmRP fragments that already spontaneously assemble with high affinity, e.g. those obtained from splits between entire modules or between helices H2 and H3. We find that the interaction of the peptide with the assembled fragments induces distal conformational rearrangements that suggest an induced fit on a global protein level. A population analysis of an equimolar mixture of an N-terminal and three C-terminal fragments with various affinities for the target peptide revealed predominant assembly of the weakest peptide binder. However, adding a target peptide to this mixture altered the population of the protein complexes such that the combination with the highest affinity for the peptide increased and becomes predominant when adding excess of peptide, highlighting the feasibility of peptide-induced enrichment of best binders from inter-modular fragment mixtures.

Competitive Immunoassays for the Detection of Small Molecules Using Single Molecule Arrays

Small-molecule detection is important for many applications including clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, and measurements of environmental samples and agricultural products. Current techniques for small-molecule detection suffer from various limitations including low analytical sensitivity and complex sample processing. Furthermore, as a result of their small size, small molecules are difficult to detect using an antibody pair in a traditional sandwich assay format. To overcome these limitations, we developed an ultrasensitive competitive immunoassay for small-molecule detection using Single Molecule Arrays (Simoa). We show that the competitive Simoa assay is approximately 50-fold more sensitive than the conventional ELISA. We performed theoretical calculations to determine the factors that influence the sensitivity of competitive Simoa assays and used them to achieve maximal sensitivity. We also demonstrate detection of small molecules in complex biological samples. We show that the competitive Simoa assay is a simple, fast, and highly sensitive approach for ultrasensitive detection of small molecules.

Molecularly Imprinted Artificial Biointerface for an Enzyme-Free Glucose Transistor

A platform based on a highly selective and sensitive detection device functionalized with a well-designed artificial biointerface is required for versatile biosensors. We develop a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-coated gate field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor for low-concentration glucose detection in biological fluid samples such as tears in an enzyme-free manner. The MIP includes glucose templates (GluMIP), in which glucose binds to vinylphenylboronic acid in the copolymerized membrane, resulting in the change in the density of molecular charges of the phenylboronic acid (PBA)/glucose complex. The FET biosensor can detect small biomolecules as long as biomolecular recognition events cause intrinsic changes in the density of molecular charges. As a result, the changes in the output voltage detected using the GluMIP-based FET sensor are fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation at various concentrations of sugars, showing the low detection limit of 3 μM and the high sensitivity of 115 mV/decade from 100 μM to 4 mM glucose. On the basis of the equation, the stability constant ( K_a) of PBA with glucose is calculated and found to markedly increase to K_a = 1192 M^-1, which is higher by a factor of a few hundreds than K_a = 4.6 M^-1 obtained by nonelectrical detection methods. Moreover, the GluMIP-coated gate FET sensor shows an approximately 200-fold higher selectivity for glucose than for fructose. This is because glucose binds to PBA more selectively than fructose in the templates, resulting in the generation of negative charges. The electrical properties of the MIP-coated electrode are also evaluated by measuring capacitance. Our work suggests a new strategy of designing a platform based on the MIP-coated gate FET biosensor, which is suitable for a highly selective, sensitive, enzyme-free biosensing system.

Affinity maturation of humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody using a modified phage-based open sandwich selection method

Affinity maturation is one of the cardinal strategies for improving antibody function using in vitro evolutionary methods; one such well-established method is phage display. To minimise gene deletion, we previously developed an open sandwich (OS) method wherein selection was performed using only phage-displaying VH fragments after mixing with soluble VL fragments. The decrease in anti-EGFR antibody 528 affinity through humanization was successfully recovered by selecting VH mutants using this OS method. However, the affinity was not similar to that of parental 528. For further affinity maturation, we aimed to isolate VL mutants that act in synergy with VH mutants. However, the OS method could not be applied for selecting VL fragments because the preparation of soluble VH fragments was hampered by their instability and insolubility. Therefore, we initially designed a modified OS method based on domain-swapping of VH fragments, from added soluble Fv fragments to phage-displaying VL fragments. Using this novel Fv-added OS selection method, we successfully isolated VL mutants, and one of the Fv comprising VH and VL mutants showed affinity almost equivalent to that of parental 528. This method is applicable for engineering other VL fragments for affinity maturation.

Homogeneous Noncompetitive Luminescent Immunodetection of Small Molecules by Ternary Protein Fragment Complementation

The homogeneous immunological detection of small molecules at high sensitivity is still a daunting task. Here, we tried sensitive noncompetitive detection of small peptides based on the open-sandwich immunoassay principle, which was combined with a bioluminescent protein-fragment complementation assay (PCA) in vitro. Since the detection of antigen-induced approximation of the two antibody variable region fragments V_H and V_L by the standard Nanoluc-based PCA utilizing larger (LgBiT) and shorter (SmBiT) fragments was not successful, we decided to further split LgBiT into two, yielding smaller N-terminal derivative (LnBiT) and two C-terminal, 11 residue peptides (LcBiT and SmBiT) corresponding to consecutive beta strands, to which V_H and V_L were each fused and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Through the optimization of reaction conditions and peptide sequence, the antigen osteocalcin peptide can be noncompetitively detected with a low background signal and limit of detection, yielding a high light emission of 88% compared to that of the wild-type enzyme. Since the luminescence of this open sandwich bioluminescent immunoassay (OS-BLIA) can be observed with the naked eye, it could become the foundation of many point-of-care detection systems.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitative/qualitative analysis of plant secondary metabolites

Immunoassays are antibody-based analytical methods for quantitative/qualitative analysis. Since the principle of immunoassays is based on specific antigen-antibody reaction, the assays have been utilized worldwide for diagnosis, pharmacokinetic studies by drug monitoring, and the quality control of commercially available products. Berson and Yalow were the first to develop an immunoassay, known as radioimmunoassay (RIA), for detecting endogenous plasma insulin [1], a development for which Yalow was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1977. Even today, after half a century, immunoassays are widely utilized with some modifications from the originally proposed system, e.g., radioisotopes have been replaced with enzymes because of safety concerns regarding the use of radioactivity, which is referred to as enzyme immunoassay/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, progress has been made in ELISA with the recent advances in recombinant DNA technology, leading to increase in the range of antibodies, probes, and even systems. This review article describes ELISA and its applications for the detection of plant secondary metabolites.

Noncompetitive homogeneous immunodetection of small molecules based on beta-glucuronidase complementation

Small molecules can be sensitively detected with a positive signal by just mixing and measuring the β-glucuronidase activity within 20 min.

Bioinspired recognition elements for mycotoxin sensors

Mycotoxins are low molecular weight molecules produced as secondary metabolites by filamentous fungi that can be found as natural contaminants in many foods and feeds. These toxins have been shown to have adverse effects on both human and animal health, and are the cause of significant economic losses worldwide. Sensors for mycotoxin analysis have traditionally applied elements of biological origin for the selective recognition purposes. However, since the 1970s there has been an exponential growth in the use of genetically engineered or synthetic biomimetic recognition elements that allow some of the limitations associated with the use of natural receptors for the analyses of these toxins to be circumvented. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the application of bioinspired recognition elements, including recombinant antibodies, peptides, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers, to the development of sensors for mycotoxins based on different transduction elements. Graphical abstract Novel analytical methods based on bioinspired recognition elements, such as recombinant antibodies, peptides, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers, can improve the detection of mycotoxins and provide better tools than their natural counterparts to ensure food safety.

An ultra-specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA for imatinib using two anti-imatinib antibodies

The development of an immunoassay for a low-molecular-weight drug first requires the identification of specific antibodies that do not cross-react with the drug's metabolites. If two antibodies can simultaneously recognize the entire structure of the drug, we can then utilize them to establish an ultra-specific sandwich ELISA, free from interference due to the metabolic products of the drug. This paper reports an ultra-specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA for determination of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib using two anti-imatinib antibodies. The anti-imatinib antibodies were obtained by two partial structures of imatinib as haptens (2-(5-amino-2-methylanilino)-4-(3-pyridyl)pyrimidine and 4-{(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-methyl}-benzoate). Under optimized conditions, this sandwich ELISA shows a linear detection range from 64 pg mL^-1 to 8 ng mL^-1, and a limit of detection of approximately 64 pg mL^-1 for 100-μL samples. The ELISA is specific to imatinib and while there was no cross-reactivity with the major metabolite N-desmethyl-imatinib, slight cross-reactivity was found with metabolite pyridine-N-oxide-imatinib. This assay demonstrated significantly lower cross-reactivity with metabolites than competitive ELISAs. Using this assay, drug levels were easily measured in rat blood after oral administration of imatinib via a single dose of 30 mg kg^-1 or 100 mg kg^-1. The levels in rat serum measured by this ELISA were comparable with those measured by HPLC, and there was a strong correlation between the values determined by the two methods (y = 0.983x + 0.081, R² = 0.948). Thus, we have successfully developed the first specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA for imatinib using two anti-imatinib antibodies. This sandwich ELISA will be a valuable tool for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies of imatinib.

An open sandwich immunoassay for detection of 13(R,S)-hydroxy-9(E),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid

Lipid peroxidation is involved in many disorders and diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and even aging.

Sensitive ligand-based protein quantification using immuno-PCR: A critical review of single-probe and proximity ligation assays

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of reverse-transcribed mRNA has revolutionized gene expression analyses. qPCR analysis is based on the prevalent assumption that mRNA transcript numbers provide an adequate measure of specific biomarker expression. However, taking the complexity of protein turnover into account, there is a need to correlate qPCR-derived transcriptional patterns with protein translational patterns so as to not leave behind important pathobiological details. One emerging approach in protein analysis is PCR-coupled protein quantification, often denoted as immuno-PCR (iPCR), which targets soluble proteins. Here we review recent trends and applications in iPCR assays that may bridge the gap between classical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and mass spectrometry methodologies in terms of sensitivity and multiplexing.

Optimal fusion of antibody binding domains resulted in higher affinity and wider specificity

Antibody is a very important protein in biotechnological and biomedical fields because of its high affinity and specificity to various antigens. Due to the rise of human antibody therapeutics, its cost-effective purification is an urgent issue for bio-industry. In this study, we made novel fusion proteins PAxPG with a flexible (DDAKK)n linker between the two Ig binding domains derived from Staphylococcus protein A and Streptococcus protein G. The fusion proteins bound human and mouse IgGs and their fragments with up to 58-times higher affinity and wider specificity than the parental binding domains. Interestingly, the optimal linker for human Fab fragment was n = 4, which was close to the modeled distance between the termini of domains bound to heavy chain, implying increased avidity as a possible mechanism. For binding to Fc, the longest n=6 linker gave the highest affinity, implying longer interchain distance between the two binding sites. The novel fusion protein with optimized interdomain linker length will be a useful tool for the purification and detection of various IgGs including mouse IgG1 that binds only weakly to natural protein A.

Enzyme immunoassays as screening tools for catalysts and reaction discovery

This feature article summarizes the development and use of immunoassay techniques (ELISA) as screening tools for fast identification of efficient catalysts in libraries and for the discovery of new chemical reactions.