Custom ELISA Kits for accurate, reliable results

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ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a plate-based assay technique that allows for detection and quantification of an analyte present in a sample. ELISA uses the natural ability of antibodies to specifically bind to an antigen, thus enabling selective detection and quantification of the target. ELISA can detect a wide range of molecules; such as hormones, peptides, proteins, and antibodies, even at low concentrations, making it a powerful tool for diagnostics, industrial applications, and research.

What are ELISA Principles?

While several types of ELISA have been established, they all rely on the same principles:

• Plate Coating
  In most forms of ELISA, the plate can be coated with a primary capture antibody or antigen. These are immobilised directly to the surface of a polystyrene microplate well.
• Plate Blocking
  In this step, all the surface-binding sites present in the coated plates are saturated by adding a protein or molecule that does not interfere with the assay that is being carried out. Blocking prevents non-specific adsorption of proteins to uncoated plastic surfaces, which would otherwise increase background and reduce assay specificity.
• Sample and Standard Incubation
  Samples and standards are added to the plate at the required dilutions, which will depend on the sample type and the analyte itself. The standard has a known concentration, and it is used as a reference to allow for the calculation of the sample concentrations.
• Detection Antibody Incubation
  The detection antibody is added to the wells and incubated. The detection antibody binds specifically to the target antigen. Incubation time and temperature are crucial for optimal binding (commonly 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C).
• Detection and signal measurements
  Signal detection and measurement varies according to the tag used. Colorimetric ELISA typically uses HRP or AP and their corresponding substrate. The signal is then detected using a standard absorbance plate reader, which enables direct visualisation and high reproducibility between plates. If the ELISA has been accurately developed, the signal produced by the substrate will be proportional to the concentration of the antigen captured. For fluorescence-based detection, a microplate reader equipped with appropriate excitation and emission filters is required, typically using black-walled microplates to reduce background and improve signal-to-noise.

Why customise an ELISA kit?

While off-the-shelf ELISA kits are widely available, they may not always align with the specific requirements of your research application. A custom ELISA kit ensures the assay is precisely tailored to your target, sample type, and performance expectations. For example:

1. Target Specificity
   Custom ELISA kits can be designed to detect unique or rare analytes, isoforms, or species-specific proteins that generic kits may not cover.
2. Optimised Sensitivity
   Assay conditions, antibody pairings, and detection systems can be tuned for the sensitivity range needed which is critical when working with low-abundance targets.
3. Sample Compatibility
   Custom kits allow for optimisation based on sample type (e.g., serum, plasma, cell lysate, tissue, or plant extract), improving accuracy and reducing matrix effects.
4. Flexibility in Format
   Choose the ELISA format that suits your workflow best, sandwich, competitive, indirect, or direct and incorporate features like pre-coated plates or lyophilised reagents.

Why choose monoclonal antibodies for your custom ELISA?

Some of Abbexa’s most popular customised ELISA kits use monoclonal antibodies. These provide high specificity as they bind to a single epitope, reducing cross-reactivity and improving assay reliability, especially when detecting low-abundance or closely related analytes meaning:

• Greater specificity for accurate target detection
• Exceptional batch consistency for reproducible results
• Reduced background for clearer signals
• Long-term supply stability for large-scale or ongoing studies
• Adaptability for a range of assay formats and detection systems

In addition to the standard testing of custom antibodies Abbexa offers an additional array of popular screening and testing methods to validate use in specific applications. Testing is offered for: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Western Blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Immunoprecipitation (IP).

How do I customise an ELISA kit?

At Abbexa we work with you to design ELISAs that match your specific goals. Whether you are validating a biomarker, monitoring immune responses, or conducting academic research, our team is ready to support you.

The Abbexa team collaborates with you throughout the development and production process, ensuring the final product is tailored precisely to your needs. Every batch undergoes strict quality control to ensure reliability. Once complete, kits are securely packaged and dispatched with documentation and continued technical support.

For more information, please contact one of our account managers.