Surface modification by electron irradiation for improved immunoassay

Polystyrene microtitration (ELISA) plates modified by electron beam irradia tion were used for a monoclonal antibody based sandwich immunoassay for qua ntitation of circulating anodic antigen levels in Schistosoma-infected indi viduals. The plates irradiated with 15 kGy showed 2-4-fold lower detection level compared to untreated plates, and a 10-fold lower antibody coating co ncentration than usually used was still detectable. These results were repr oducible and the modified surfaces were stable even after 2 years when kept at room temperature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.