Enhancement of hrp binding on plasmatreated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Summary form only given. Immunoassay technique is one of the actively researched areas since reliable, low cost and sensitive diagnostic immunoassay systems are required for public health care. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is common technique to detect diseases such as HIV or hepatitis virus. The aim of the present work is to modify the surface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by plasma immersion ion implantation to increase the number of the specific active enzyme binding sites on the polymer surface. The specimens are incubated in horseradish peroxidase (HRP) overnight and washed by 10 mM PO4 buffer six times. The quantity of HRP can be changed by adding TMB (HRP's substrate) on the polyethylene surface. The optical densities of the treated and untreated samples are monitored and compared. Our results show more active HRP on the plasma-treated PE. In addition, our tests show highly stable and reproductive results and demonstrate that plasma immersion ion implantation is a viable technique.