Automated flow enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for analysis of methyl parathion.

Sensitive detection of pesticides is of utmost importance in environment and food analysis. Immunological methods are widely used to detect
pesticides in agricultural and environmental samples wherein antibodies are employed against the target molecules. Accurate diagnosis depends
on the affinity and specificity of the antibody preparation used, and high affinity antibodies are essential for the detection of very small amounts of
pesticides. Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) coupled with flow injection analysis (FIA) technique provides a very high sensitivity
with high throughput of analyses. Automation of this analysis scheme ensures precise detection with high accuracy. The present development aims
at providing a user-friendly system for achieving this objective. It employs a 8952 microcontroller for precise flow of reagents, samples, substrate
and conjugates used for analysis to be passed through an immobilized antibody column at predetermined time.With the sequence and flow control
of buffers used, it also provides the option for reuse of the immobilized antibody column. The system is flexible to accommodate multiple sequences
up to a maximum of 99 steps. It is customizable for different flow ELISA applications. It can control up to eight solenoid valves (dc 24 V) and two
peristaltic pumps and has one 12 bit analog channel for data acquisition. With the serial interface port, the system provides convenient means for
data acquisition into the computer. The system has been successfully tested for immuno analysis of organophosphorous pesticide methyl parathion.