Investigating specific antigen/antibody binding with the atomic force microscope

Biomol Eng. 2002 Aug;19(2-6):183-8. doi: 10.1016/s1389-0344(02)00046-1.

Abstract

The aim of this work is to detect immune complexes without any kind of labelling of each of the immunological species, with a view to create a very sensitive biosensor. This is achieved by using the atomic force microscopy. We have proceeded by imaging the antibody (anti-rabbit IgG) or anti-rabbit IgG moieties adsorbed onto mica surface, before and after incubation of two kinds of antigens: a specific (rabbit IgG) and a non-specific one (sheep IgG). The analysis using the height histograms reveals many interesting features. We propose a general framework for interpreting these analysis, which enables the discrimination between specific and non-specific complexes.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Aluminum Silicates / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / analysis
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antibodies / ultrastructure
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / analysis*
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / immunology
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / ultrastructure
  • Antigen-Antibody Reactions*
  • Antigens / analysis
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Antigens / ultrastructure
  • Binding Sites, Antibody
  • Goats
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Sheep

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Antibodies
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • mica