The laboratory is also working on the development of immunological tests based on magnetic particles. These particles aggregate specifically in the presence of an assayed protein thanks to antibodies grafted to their surface. A simple optical measurement (turbidity) allows the aggregation state of the solution to be quantified, therefore indicating the number of proteins.
The use of magnetic colloids presents two advantages: First of all the particles are attracted under an applied magnetic field, which accelerates the formation of specific aggregates. Following this, the magnetic and optical anisotropy of the aggregates allows very sensitive detection. This test permits the detection of several picomoles of proteins in just a few minutes.
Industrial partnership : Bertin technologies and Horiba Medical
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