Food traceability and authentication - ELISA essay on proteins

5 important questions on Food traceability and authentication - ELISA essay on proteins

How does ELISA work?

The test is based on the recognition of proteins (antigens) by specific antibodies
The test is very simple and suited to large scale screening, but not very robust in identification and quantification, easily gives false positives or false negatives
Very much dependent on the quality of antibodies
Processing easily alter the results
Sensitivity in the low ppm range

How does the sandwich ELISA work?

Protein bind to antibodies that is on plate (coded with antibodies). To this another antibody is bound and then something that gives a colour response

How does a indirect ELISA work?

Antiobyd binds to protein, then second antibody bind and then you get a response.
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What are the weaknesses of a ELISA?


  • Small linear range
  • Easily affected by processing and by the matrix
  • High risk of false positives or false negatives
  • Very careful calibration , matrix-matched and process-mached, is always needed

What are the strengths of a ELISA?

  • Fast, easy and cheep
  • Reliable in carefull controlled and calibrated recetitive analyses

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