Application of chemistry to in vitro diagnostic tests

Abstract

Diagnostic testing for the screening, diagnosis and management of disease involves the detection and quantitation of a wide range of molecules, structures or whole cells in a complex biological matrix. Whilst separation techniques linked to physicochemical detection may be employed in the early investigation of a new marker, invariably the transition to routine application depends on the use of a biorecognition molecule, typically an enzyme or an antibody. In recent years the application of synthetic chemistry has led to the demonstration of synthetic biorecognition molecules—the search for specificity being aided by advances in combinatorial chemistry. Many of these sophisticated quantitative techniques are now encapsulated in prefabricated structures that facilitate automatic performance of the test to enable usage away from the laboratory, for example in the home or the workplace.