Antibodies (Ab) are one of the most important class of biological reagents for detecting the presence of a protein antigen (i.e., biomarkers) in a solution or a complex matrix such as blood. Ab-based assays are a fundamental component in biology and for gaining insight into how biological systems function. A major barrier to improving the existing measurement infrastructure in assessing Ab-antigen interactions is that there are no standard methods for quantitatively specifying the performance of an Ab. Without these methods, it can be challenging to decide on how to best immobilize antigens and Abs to optimize the performance and reproducibility of an Ab-based assays. A new project idea is combining modern combinatorial gradient generation techniques with surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) to rapidly assess the binding interaction between an Ab and antigen in a single measurement. A possible aim of this project is to develop an antigen-presenting platform that can be used in combination with microfluidic control and SPRi to quantitatively assess how experimental variables such as surface density of immobilized antigen and antigen structure influence the binding affinity for a specific Ab-antigen pair. This measurement tool can be used to identify the range of antigen densities to optimal Ab binding affinity and to assess the dependence of antigen structure on Ab binding affinity. The procedure could also result in an antibody signature that can be used to ensure consistency in an antibody reagent.

 

Keywords:

Surface plasmon; Imaging; SPR; Microfluidics; Antibody; Gradient; Affinity; Binding; Density;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants