Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中興大學 === 生物科技學研究所 === 101 === Molecules of molecular masses less than 1 kDa are usually non-immunogenic and fail to elicit immune response in animal. However, antibodies against a small molecule can be generated when it is conjugated with a carry protein to form an artificial antigen prior to animal immunization. In our previous study, polyclonal antibodies against biotin were successfully generated in rats injected with artificial oil bodies constituted with biotinylated Lys-rich caleosins. It appears that engineered Lys-rich caleosins are suitable carrier proteins for the production of antibodies against small molecules. In this study, a lys-rich caleosin was used to render catechin EGCG for the production of its polyclonal antibodies. The raised antibodies were used to develop an ELISA-based immunochromatographic strip in company with BSA or ovalbumin conjugated with EGCG. In my detection, EGCG seemed to resulted in antibody precipitation. However, the strip could be used to detect EGCG at concentrations of 0.25~0.5 mM. Nevertheless, the color intensity of strip should be improved prior to commercial applications.
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