| abstract |
Analytes bound to immobilized capture molecules by molecular biological or immunochemical reactions are detected or quantified with affinity liposomes containing encapsulated enzyme activators and surface-attached affinity components capable of specific binding to captured analytes or derivatives thereof in a structure restricted manner. Enzyme activators encapsulated in analyte-bound affinity liposomes are released by temperature- or detergent-mediated mechanisms and utilized for activation of solid phase-immobilized inactive enzyme molecules which in turn are utilized to generate colorimetric, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or bioluminescent reporter molecules the quantity of which is a proportiona measure of the amount of analyte in the specimen. For amplified assay procedures polymeric carrier molecules capable of binding multiple affinity liposomes and/or preformed complexes of affinity liposomes are utilized. |