How do monoclonal antibodies identify specific antigens in the blood?

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by inkhybrid

by inkhybrid

-Example identify PSA antigen made by prostate cancer

-Place monoclonal antibodies complementary to PSA antigens on test plate

-add person's blood to test plate

-If PSA antigen is present in the blood, it will bind to the monoclonal antibodies

-Then a second set of monoclonal antibodies with enzyme attached is added

-if the PSA antigen is present, the second set will bind to it

-If the PSA antigen is not present this second set will not bind

-The test plate is then washed

-If PSA antigen is present, second set of monoclonal antibodies will attach, this will not be washed away, so the enzyme will be present

-If PSA antigen not present, second set of monoclonal antibodies will not attach, this will be washed away, so enzyme also washed away

-A colorless substrate is then added, if the enzyme is present it will breakdown the substrate causing a color change, if the enzyme is not present there will be no color change.

-Therefore: color change occurs= enzyme present/ PSA antigen is present, no color change = no enzyme present/ no PSA antigens present