Fluorescence-based reversible immunosensors

All immunosensors currently described in literature are irreversible. Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. has developed a revolutionary method for producing reversible immunosensors. In this method, the antibody and a labeled analog (structurally and functionally similar to the antigen) are coimmobilized on the sensor surface. Under equilibrium conditions, the labeled analog interacts with immobilized antibody to produce a sensor response. However, in the presence of antigen (analyte), the equilibrium is disturbed as the analyte competes for the binding sites of the immobilized antibody. This produces a measurable sensor response. The equilibrium is shifted back by washing the analyte away with a wash buffer, and the bound analog interacts with the immobilized antibody. Polarization and intensity based measurements are used to design the analog. Photoinduced electron transfer is used to create fluorescent analogs that provide enhancements in fluorescence intensity that can be measured. This principle can be extended to the detection of bacteria.