39.2.2 Immuno-affinity chromatography:

Immuno-affinity chromatography is a method in which specific antibodies are bound to an insoluble support. A mixture of antigens is allowed to pass through the column that contains the bound antibodies. The antigens bind to the antibodies based on their specificities and the unbound ones are washed out. The bound antigens are eluted form a specific antibody by changing the pH or high salt concentration which breaks the bond between antigen and antibodies. The same method can be used to identify the specific antibody by binding the antigen to an insoluble support. It is a useful technique to identify and purify the specific antigen or antibody from a sample.

Figure 39.3 Schematic representation of immuno-affinity assay :