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Title: Mass spectrometric immunoassay

Journal Article · · Analytical Chemistry (Washington)
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ (United States)

A new, general method of immunoassay is demonstrated. The approach is based on the microscale immunoaffinity capture of target antigens followed by mass-specific identification and quantitation using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Immunoaffinity capture of antigens effectively overcomes signal suppression effects typically encountered during traditional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis of complex biological mixtures while simultaneously concentrating the analyte into a small volume. Sample incubation and processing methods were such that a typical analysis could be performed in less than 1 h while subnanomolar sensitivities were maintained. The technique has been used for the rapid, selective, and quantitative screening of human blood for the presence of myotoxin a, and Mojave toxin from the venoms of the prairie rattlesnake, Crotalus virdis virdis, and the Mojave rattlesnake, Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus. 18 refs., 8 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-91ER61127
OSTI ID:
81296
Journal Information:
Analytical Chemistry (Washington), Vol. 67, Issue 7; Other Information: PBD: 1 Apr 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English