Importance

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Abstract

A method is disclosed for detecting the occurrence of a binding or complex-forming reaction between specific substances by utilizing the binding reaction to complete an electrical circuit, and then measuring a change in the electrical state of this circuit. In a preferred embodiment, a layer of antigen is coated onto a non-conductive base between a pair of electrically conductive layers superposed on the base. Antibodies which react with the foregoing antigen are treated so that they become bound to fine electrically conductive, metallic particles. The electrically conductive particles having antibody bound thereto are then added to the antigen layer deposited on the base and allowed to react therewith. Electrically conductive particles are thereby bound to the base due to the binding reaction between the antigen and antibody to thereby form aggregates of electrically conductive particles which bridge the electrically conductive layers and complete the circuit. Such a method is highly useful for the detection of antigens in the blood serum of a human patient.

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First Claim