In recent times, the use of immunoassays in the quantification of specific proteins, hormones, and pathogens in biological samples has shown great success in understanding antigen-antibody interactions.
These lab tests are widely used by researchers and scientists in vaccine development, clinical diagnostics, and overall medical research.
Antibodies are used to conduct these lab tests. These antibodies recognize and bind to the epitopes of the target molecule and help in the accurate detection and measurement of analytes.
Based on the colonality, antibodies are categorized into two types: monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies (pAbs).
mAbs are a homogeneous mixture of identical antibodies. They are produced by a single clone of B-cells. On the other hand, pAbs are a heterogeneous mixture of antibodies. pAbs identify and bind to multiple epitopes on the same antigen. Scientists and researchers use pAbs in various immunoassays.
How do Immunoassays Work?
Immunoassays work on the principle of antigen-antibody interactions. Antibodies specifically identify and bind to target molecules, known as analytes – this includes hormones, peptides, proteins, etc.
When a sample containing the analyte is added to the assay along with labeled antigens or antibodies, antigen-antibody complexes are formed. These complexes can then be detected and measured using various signal-generating systems, including enzymes, fluorescent dyes, and radioactive labels.
The intensity of the signal indicates the concentration of the analyte present in the sample. This helps detect and quantify the presence of the analyte, even at low levels.
Why Use pAbs in Immunoassays?
Researchers prefer pAbs over mAbs in immunoassays because they have:
- High sensitivity
- Cost-effective
- Ideal for complex detections
- High accuracy
- Versatility in applications
- Tolerance to antigen variability
Types of Immunoassays that Use Polyclonal Antibodies
pAbs are used in multiple immunoassays, depending on the application. It includes:
- ELISA: ELISA, or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, is a plate-based test that uses polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) to capture or detect antigens in a biological sample. Their ability to recognize multiple epitopes boosts signal, sensitivity and specificity. So, they can detect even the low concentrations of an antigen.
- WB: Western Blotting, also known as immunoblotting or protein immunoblotting, uses pAbs to detect and analyze specific proteins separated by gel electrophoresis. pAbs are used as primary or secondary antibodies to detect the target protein. Their ability to recognize multiple epitopes provides accurate and reliable detection results, even in degraded samples.
- IHC: Immunohistochemistry involves staining of tissue sections to detect the presence and location of specific proteins. Since pAbs provide strong staining and high signal intensity, they are widely used in IHC. Their broad binding ability can help in accurate detection even when protein confirmation is altered during fixation or embedding processes.
- IP: This purification method is specifically used to separate an antigen from a complex mixture using antibodies that bind to it. During the precipitation process, pAbs can bind to multiple epitopes on the same protein, which helps capture the specific antigen effectively.
The use of pAbs is not limited to the aforementioned immunoassays. They are also used in other immunoassays, including RIA, CLIA, Fluoroimmunoassays, Counting Immunoassays, and more. Their primary role is to detect the presence and concentration of analytes in a blood sample. However, the quality and type of pAb you use for your immunoassay can vary the results. So, make sure you buy polyclonal antibodies from a reliable supplier.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know the role of pAbs in immunoassays, what are you waiting for? Find a reliable supplier like AAA Biotech that can provide you with high-quality pAbs to support your experiments and get accurate results.
