An immunospecific microbalance

Abstract

Abstract A piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance has been modified for the determination of antibody activity in solution. Antigen precoated crystals are exposed to antisera of varying concentration and specificity. Only antisera specific for the antigen precoat will form an additional protein layer on the crystal. The thickness of the antibody layer, measured by thefrequency shift of the crystal, is proportional to the concentration of specific antibody in solution. The technique provides a rapid qualitative and quantitative assay of antibody activity.