Novel Liposome Immunoassays for Detecting Antigens, Antibodies, and Haptens

Abstract

Recent developments in immunochemical techniques have resulted in a new ultrasensitive analytical method known as liposome immunoassay (LIA). Liposomes are key elements in performing LIAs, as discussed in this review. they are sspecifically designed to participate in immune reactions. A variety of chemical markers described to participate in immune reactions. A variety of chemical markers described can be encapsulated in liposomes and used as quantitative indicators of reactions occurring. Details are given of liposomal agglutination and lysis that are essential LIA ingredients. Basic designs for determining reaction rates, measuring immune complexes, and quantitating analytes are evaluated. Vesicle formation, marker encapsulation, and liposomal lysis are presented to provide a better understanding of LIA performance.

Basic principles of LIAs are described which include homogeneous, heterogeneous, competitive, and direct techniques. Cytolytic and complement-mediated LIAs are also compared. Advantages and disadvantages of performing LIAs electrochemically or spectrophotometrically are also presented. LIA applications discussed include measuring antigens, antibodies, drug monitoring, detecting infectious diseases, and diagnosing congenital disorders.