DIRECT BINDING OF LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HAPTENS TO ELISA PLATES

Immobilization of low molecular weight haptens in ELISA usually involv es their coupling to protein molecules or covalent binding to the soli d phase. In this study we demonstrate that it is possible to directly bind the hapten p-aminophenylalanine to gamma-irradiated polystyrene m icrotiter plates for the detection of antibodies that stereospecifical ly recognize the chiral center of cu-amino acids. Simple incubation of the hapten in aqueous buffer, without additional activation, results in a stable coating that is suited for use in ELISA. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.