Lipoprotein capture ELISA method for the sensitive detection of amphiphilic biomarkers

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are widely employed for the detection of protein targets due to their ease of use, sensitivity, and potential for high-throughput analyses. However, the use of ELISAs to detect non-protein targets such as lipids and amphiphiles is complicated by the physical properties of these molecules, which affects their association with functional surfaces and recognition ligands. Here, we developed a unique lipoprotein capture ELISA in which the natural association between lipoproteins and amphiphilic molecules facilitates detection of the target biomarker in a physiologically relevant conformation. An assay to detect the glycolipid lipoarabinomannan (LAM), a cell membrane component and virulence factor associated with Myco-bacterial infections, was developed as a proof of concept.

Automated summary

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are widely used for protein target detection due to their ease of use, sensitivity, and ability to analyze large quantities of samples. However, detecting non-protein targets with ELISAs can be challenging due to the physical properties of these molecules. In this study, a unique lipoprotein capture ELISA was developed to detect non-protein biomarkers using the natural association between lipoproteins and amphiphilic molecules.