An immuno-PCR method allowing the detection of proteins, carbohydrates, hormones, bacteria, organic components, aromatic compounds, infections agents,… in complex matrices.

A method has been developed using real time PCR to detect microbiological entities, particular elements or target molecule. The detection method comprises a step which consists in fixing an entity A directly or via a capture agent to one or several surface(s) inside the receptacle(s) of a real time PCR measuring apparatus, a second step which consists in associating with said element A a coupling system with nucleic acid, for example a DNA marker, and finally a further step which consists in amplifying the marker nucleic acid. Successive quantitative measurements are carried out during the exponential phase of the amplification, in the presence of a capture agent and other optional intermediate fixing agents. The method allows the sensitive detection and quantification of antigenic elements through quantitative immuno-PCR and is even applicable when the antigenic molecules are isolated from complex matrixes. The method can also be applied to study ligand systems : it allows the titration of a free ligand through the use of a labelled ligand (coupled to a DNA marker) by its capture on a specific binding molecule. In general, the method allows the detection of proteins, carbohydrates, hormones, bacteria, organic components, aromatic compounds, infectious agents, etc and has therefore many potential applications in the environmental, the human and the agro-food diagnostic fields.

WO 01/31056 A2

Research collaboration for license agreement