JP2020051910A - Immunochromatography test piece - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an immunochromatography test piece which prevents appearance of so-called white spots and enables visibly more superior detection, and to provide an immunochromatography test piece which prevents variation in test line detection values.SOLUTION: The above problem is solved by providing an immunochromatography test piece having at least a porous membrane and comprising a sample supply section, a spreading section, and a detection section having a specific binding substance immobilized therein. The detection section is immobilized on a front surface of the porous membrane and a non-transparent base material is provided on a back surface of the porous membrane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a test piece for immunochromatography and a method for detecting immunochromatography using the test piece.

  With the spread of POCT (point-of-care) treatment near patients, lateral flow immunochromatography using nitrocellulose membranes and other test strips has become widespread as a simple immunoassay utilizing antigen-antibody reactions. doing.

  A test piece for immunochromatography (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as an immunochromatographic test piece) is generally a membrane composed of a porous body having a sample supply section, a developing section, and a detection section, and is a labeled antibody for a detection target. Can be eluted at the development start site of the development part so that it can reach the detection part after passing through the development part after contact with the sample (sample), and the detection antibody is immobilized on a part of the development part And constitute a detection unit.

  Here, when the sample is dropped into the sample supply unit, if the detection target is contained in the sample, the detection target specifically binds to the labeled antibody to form a complex, and the complex is Then, the developing section is developed in the downstream direction, and the detection section binds to the immobilized antibody for detection. Therefore, the detection target can be qualitatively or quantitatively analyzed by detecting the sandwich-type complex using the labeled antibody, the detection target, and the immobilized antibody in the detection unit.

  As a method for detecting the complex of the target substance and the conjugate in the detection section of the immunochromatographic test strip having the above configuration, a method of calculating the absorbance (reflection absorbance) by measuring the intensity of the reflected light derived from the label is used. is there. The reflection absorbance is calculated, for example, by measuring the intensity of reflected light at the detection line of the substance to be detected in the detection section and at two sites in the vicinity thereof, and calculating the ratio using the ratio. The reflected light intensity near the upstream side or downstream side of the detected section may non-specifically increase, and the measured waveform may be disturbed. In this case, when the analyte is at a low concentration, it is not possible to draw a baseline without ignoring the disturbance of the measurement waveform, and thus it is not possible to accurately detect a specific signal (peak), and the measurement itself is not possible. May be possible.

  Since the occurrence frequency of the measurement waveform disturbance and the degree of the measurement waveform disturbance are not constant, the reproducibility of the measurement may be reduced, or the measurement value may be corrected to an appropriate value each time (in other words, the measurement waveform may be changed). Confirmation) was required.

  In a normal immunochromatography detection method using a white membrane, the disturbance of the measured waveform is caused by a phenomenon in which the color of the relevant portion of the membrane is relatively white than the surrounding colors, and the color appears to be missing (so-called white color). This is also visually observed as a dropout phenomenon (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as white spots), which hinders the visual determination of the coloration originating from the marker, causing a lack of accuracy in the determination results.

Although the cause of such white spots is not clear, it is expected that there will be differences between production lots of test pieces, differences in storage conditions of test pieces, differences in production conditions such as pretreatment conditions of test pieces, and the like.
The following document is known as a method for eliminating such a white spot phenomenon.
Patent Document 1 discloses an assay using a sample diluent to which methanol is added in order to prevent white spots which are often observed when an immunochromatographic test strip is stored for a long period of time.

  Patent Literature 2 discloses a method for preventing white spots and disturbance of a measured waveform by treating an antibody-immobilized membrane of an immunochromatographic test strip with a specific surfactant such as n-octyl-β-D-glucoside.

International publication WO2015 / 080286 pamphlet International publication WO2010 / 001598 pamphlet

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a test piece which can avoid so-called white spot phenomenon in an immunochromatographic test piece by a completely different approach from the above prior art and can perform detection with better visibility. Another object of the present invention is to provide an immunochromatographic test strip that can prevent variations in the detection value of a test line.

The present inventors have attempted to change various elements of the immunochromatographic test strip in order to solve the above problems, and surprisingly, in the immunochromatographic test strip containing a porous membrane, specific binding substances such as antibodies By providing an opaque substrate on the back surface of a porous membrane having immobilized on the surface, it was possible to avoid white spots near the test line and also to prevent variations in the detected values, and completed the present invention. . That is, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) An immunochromatographic test strip including at least a porous membrane and having a sample supply unit, a developing unit, and a detection unit, wherein the detection unit is fixed to a surface of the porous membrane, and The test piece, wherein an opaque substrate is disposed on a back surface.
(2) The test piece according to (1), wherein the opaque substrate is a member for backing a porous membrane.
(3) The immunochromatographic test strip according to (1) or (2), wherein the opaque substrate is a white substrate.
(4) The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of (1) to (3), including a sample pad serving as the sample supply unit and a conjugate pad containing a differently-binding substance labeled with colloidal gold or colored latex. .
(5) The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the specific binding substance is an antibody.
(6) The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a backing sheet is disposed below the porous membrane.
(7) The immunochromatographic test strip according to any of (1) to (6), which is a test strip for detection by optical means.
(8) An immunochromatographic detection kit comprising the immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of (1) to (7).
(9) An immunochromatographic detection method, wherein the following test piece is used;
An immunochromatographic test strip comprising a porous membrane having at least a detection portion, wherein an opaque substrate is disposed on the back side of the porous membrane.
(10) The immunochromatographic detection method according to (9), wherein the opaque substrate is a member for backing a porous membrane.
(11) The immunochromatographic detection method according to (9) or (10), wherein the opaque substrate is a white substrate.
(12) The test piece includes any one of (9) to (11) including a sample pad serving as the sample supply unit and a conjugate pad containing a specific binding substance labeled with colloidal gold or colored latex. The method for detecting immunochromatography according to the above.
(13) The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of (9) to (12), wherein the specific binding substance is an antibody.
(14) The immunochromatography detection method according to any one of (9) to (13), wherein the test piece has a backing sheet disposed below the porous membrane.
(15) The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of (9) to (14), comprising a step of detecting an optical parameter derived from the labeling substance by optical means.
(16) The immunochromatography detection method according to any one of (9) to (15), further comprising a step of determining a color derived from the labeling substance by visual observation.
(17) A method for reducing variation in measured values in an immunochromatographic detection method,
The above-mentioned method characterized by using the following test pieces;
At least including a porous membrane, a sample supply section, a developing section, an immunochromatographic test piece having a detection section, wherein the detection section is immobilized on the porous membrane surface,
A test piece having an opaque substrate disposed on the back side of the porous membrane.
(18) In the immunochromatography detection method using a test piece, a method for reducing white spots on the test piece, wherein the following test piece is used;
At least including a porous membrane, a sample supply section, a developing section, an immunochromatographic test piece having a detection section, wherein the detection section is immobilized on the porous membrane surface,
A test piece having an opaque substrate disposed on the back side of the porous membrane.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, since the white spot near a test line can be avoided, the visibility at the time of detection by visual observation is excellent, and the variation of the measured value by optical means can provide the immunochromatographic test piece.

4 is a graph showing the variation in measured values when immunochromatographic measurement was performed using an immunochromatographic test piece using a porous membrane in which a backing member was a transparent substrate (comparative example) and a white substrate (the present invention). (Test example 2, the substance to be detected is on the middle concentration side) 4 is a graph showing the variation in measured values when immunochromatographic measurement was performed using an immunochromatographic test piece using a porous membrane in which a backing member was a transparent substrate (comparative example) and a white substrate (the present invention). (Test Example 3, the substance to be detected is on the low concentration side) 4 is a graph showing the variation in measured values when immunochromatographic measurement was performed using an immunochromatographic test piece using a porous membrane in which a backing member was a transparent substrate (comparative example) and a white substrate (the present invention). (Test Example 4, the substance to be detected is on the high concentration side) It is a perspective view showing the immunochromatography test piece of the present invention. A shows the entire immunochromatographic test piece, and B shows a porous membrane.

(Immunochromatographic test strip)
The immunochromatographic test strip of the present invention includes a porous membrane having at least a `` sample supply section '', an `` development section '', and a `` detection section '', and a labeled specific binding substance that binds to an object to be detected. In order to pass through the developing part after contact with the sample and reach the detecting part, it is held so that it can be eluted at the development start site of the developing part, and the specific binding substance for detection is immobilized on a part of the developing part And constitute a detection unit.

  As an example of realizing these, a sample pad serving as a sample supply unit, a conjugate pad serving as a part of a developing unit in which a labeled specific binding substance bound to a detection target is held so as to be eluted, and a detection pad A specific binding substance is partially immobilized, and a test piece containing a porous membrane serving as a developing part and a detecting part. That is, a typical immunochromatographic test strip of the present invention has the following configuration.

(1) A sample pad to which an analyte is supplied (2) A conjugate pad disposed downstream of the sample pad and holding a conjugate sensitized with a first specific binding substance on a gold colloid surface so as to be eluted therefrom (3) a porous membrane which is disposed downstream of the conjugate pad and has on its surface a detection unit on which a second specific binding substance that binds to a complex of the conjugate and the detection target is immobilized; On the back side, the porous membrane on which the opaque substrate is disposed

Here, the sample pad, the conjugate pad, and the porous membrane may each constitute a separate carrier, or two may constitute one carrier. From the upstream to the downstream, the sample pad, the conjugate Any embodiment is included as long as it is configured in the order of the pad and the porous membrane.
The immunochromatographic test piece also includes, in addition to the above configuration, one in which at least one of an absorption pad and a 3rd pad is further arranged and mounted.
The test pieces are usually arranged on a solid support such as a plastic adhesive sheet (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a backing sheet).

  In addition, a polyester film or the like may be laminated to the test piece in order to increase the mechanical strength of the porous membrane on which the specific binding substance is immobilized and to prevent evaporation (drying) of water during the assay. .

The detection method using the immunochromatographic test strip of the present invention is performed as follows.
When the specimen is dropped into the sample supply unit, and the detection target is included in the specimen, the detection target specifically binds to the labeled specific binding substance to form a complex. The complex expands the developing portion in the downstream direction and binds to the specific binding substance immobilized on the detecting portion. In the detection unit, since a sandwich-type complex is formed by the labeled specific binding substance, the detection target, and the immobilized specific binding substance, by detecting this, the detection target can be qualitatively determined. Quantitative analysis is possible. The detection includes a method of detecting coloration by visual observation and a method of detecting an optical parameter derived from the label by an optical means. When using optical means, in addition to manual operation, it can be automated and continuous measurement can be performed.

(Sample pad)
In the present invention, the “sample pad” is a part that serves as a sample supply unit that receives a sample, absorbs a liquid sample in a state molded into the pad, and allows the liquid and the component of the detection target to pass through. Any substance and form are included.
The sample pad of the present invention can be pre-treated to improve water permeability.
When measuring whole blood, a hemagglutinating agent can be included. In this case, it is sufficient that the sample pad is included in at least a part of the sample pad, and the sample pad may be entirely included.

  Specific examples of materials suitable for the sample pad include, but are not limited to, glass fibers (glass fibers), acrylic fibers, hydrophilic polyethylene materials, dried paper, paper pulp, textiles, and the like. Preferably, a glass fiber pad is used. The sample pad can also have the function of a conjugate pad described later. In addition, the sample pad may contain a commonly used blocking reagent, if necessary, as long as it does not deviate from the object of the present invention and does not affect the reaction system.

(Conjugate)
In the present invention, a conjugate refers to a substance in which a specific binding substance or a control substance that binds to a detection target is immobilized on a label.
The label used in the present invention can form a conjugate by sensitizing (immobilizing) a specific binding substance such as an antibody, and contact with a sample to detect an object (such as an antigen) in the sample. Any method can be used as long as it can play a role as a label in the method, and examples thereof include colloidal gold particles, colloidal platinum particles, color latex particles, and magnetic particles, among which colloidal gold and colored latex And colloidal gold are even more desirable. These particle diameters may be adjusted according to each kind so as to obtain a desired detection sensitivity of the measurement object. For example, the particle diameter of the colloidal gold particles is preferably 20 to 100 nm, more preferably It is 30 to 100 nm, and particularly preferably 60 nm.
The conjugate of the present invention can also block a region where a specific binding substance is not bound on the surface of gold colloid or the like with a blocking agent.

  The conjugate may exist as a conjugate pad, that is, in a state in which the conjugate pad is impregnated with a dedicated pad (conjugate pad) other than the sample pad, the third pad, and the porous membrane ( Type A), it may be present as a conjugate part in a part of the sample pad (type B). Furthermore, separately from the test strip, it may be present as an individual conjugate reagent so as to be mixed with the specimen (Type C).

Hereinafter, a typical example of a test piece in which the conjugate is present in the type A will be described.
The sample pad, the conjugate pad, the third pad, and the porous membrane are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the sample, and are arranged so that at least a part of each layer overlaps the upper and lower layers. FIG. 4 shows a test piece having such an arrangement example.

  When a sample containing a detection target is supplied to the sample pad of such a test strip, the detection target flows through the sample pad to the conjugate pad on the downstream side. In the conjugate pad, the detection target and the conjugate come in contact with each other to form a complex and pass through the pad. Thereafter, the composite passes through a third pad placed in contact with the lower surface of the conjugate pad and is developed into a porous membrane.

  Since the specific binding substance that binds to the detection target is immobilized on a part of the porous membrane, the complex is bonded and immobilized here. The immobilized complex is detected by means for detecting absorbance, reflected light, fluorescence, magnetism, etc., derived from the labeling substance.

Next, a test piece having a conjugate existence type B will be described.
The difference from the test piece of the type A is that the sample pad and the conjugate pad are integrated, that is, the sample supply part and the conjugate part are formed in a part of the sample pad.
The sample supply section is a section for supplying a sample containing the detection target, the conjugate section is a section containing the conjugate, and the sample supply section is on the upstream side of the conjugate section.

Next, a test piece having a conjugate existence type C will be described.
The difference from the above type A test piece is that the conjugate pad does not exist as a test piece, and the conjugate exists as an individual conjugate reagent. For example, a filter chip in which a conjugate is incorporated in a filter may be mentioned. By filtering the sample using such a filter chip, the conjugate held in the filter and the detection target are bound to form a complex (aggregate). By supplying this to the same test piece as type A except that it does not have a conjugate pad, an object to be detected can be detected.

(Detection reagent)
In the present invention, the “detection reagent” is specifically a solution containing at least a conjugate.
The detection reagent keeps the conjugate stable, and when mixed with the sample, promotes a specific binding substance such as an antibody immobilized on the conjugate to specifically react with the analyte. Alternatively, for the purpose of rapidly and effectively dissolving and fluidizing the conjugate, it may contain, for example, one or more stabilizers, solubilizing agents, and the like. Examples of the stabilizer, solubilizing agent, and the like include bovine serum albumin (BSA), sucrose, casein, amino acids, and the like.

In addition, the detection reagent may contain a known sensitizer or chelating agent such as EDTA or EGTA as needed for the purpose of improving the detection sensitivity.
In this specification, the term “detection” or “measurement” needs to be interpreted in the broadest sense, including proof and / or quantification of the presence of a detection target, and is limited in any sense. must not.

(Sample diluent)
In the present invention, a diluent may be used when the sample needs to be diluted according to the concentration of the detection target in the sample. The diluting solution significantly inhibits the reaction between the target substance and the specific binding substance, or conversely, significantly accelerates the reaction, resulting in poor aggregation in the capillary phenomenon due to excessive aggregation of the labeled substance, and A diluent of any composition may be used as long as a signal of the reaction between the detection target and the specific binding substance according to the concentration of the substance can be detected.

(Conjugate pad)
In the present invention, the “conjugate pad” is a material obtained by impregnating a material suitable for a conjugate pad described below with a detection reagent that specifically reacts with an object to be detected and drying the material. The conjugate pad has a function of forming a complex between the detection reagent and the detection target when the sample passes through the conjugate pad. The conjugate pad may be arranged so as to be in contact with the porous membrane on which the specific binding substance is immobilized by itself. Alternatively, a sample placed in contact with the sample pad and passed through the sample pad by a capillary flow is received, and then the sample is transferred by a capillary flow to a 3rd Pad in contact with a surface different from the contact surface with the sample pad. May be arranged as follows.

  Suitable materials for the conjugate pad include, but are not limited to, paper, cellulose mixtures, nitrocellulose, polyester, acrylonitrile copolymer, nonwoven fibers such as glass fibers or rayon. Preferably, a glass fiber pad is used.

  The conjugate pad was, if necessary, labeled with a `` control reagent '' for ensuring the reliability of the immunochromatographic detection method, for example, an antibody or a label that does not react with the analyte component labeled with the label. It may contain a high antigenic protein such as KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin). These control reagents are components (substances) that are unlikely to be present in the sample, and can be appropriately selected.

(3rd Pad)
In the present invention, 3rd Pad is a component in which a component unnecessary for detection of an object to be detected among reaction components of a sample and a detection reagent is removed, and a component required for the reaction is immobilized with a specific binding substance. The porous membrane can be disposed between the sample pad and the porous membrane for the purpose of allowing the porous membrane to be smoothly developed. For example, blood cells, insoluble lysed blood cells, and the like are desirably removed as components unnecessary for detection. In addition, the 3rd Pad has a large enough size that the specific binding substance migrates to the immobilized membrane among the aggregates generated by the reaction between the measurement target substance and the specific binding substance, and cannot be developed smoothly. It is also possible to have an additional effect of previously removing aggregates that have become lost.

  3rd Pad includes any substance and form through which the liquid, the component to be detected, and the detection reagent can pass. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, glass fibers (glass fibers), acrylic fibers, hydrophilic polyethylene materials, dried paper, paper pulp, fabrics, and the like. When 3rd Pad is used for the purpose of separating blood cells, it may be called a blood cell separation membrane. In the present invention, when whole blood is used as a specimen, it is desirable to use a blood cell separation membrane in order to more reliably separate and remove blood cells that could not be completely removed using only a sample pad.

(Hemagglutinating agent)
In the present invention, when whole blood is used as a sample, it is desirable to use an erythrocyte agglutinating agent or a erythrocyte binding component in addition to the use of 3rd Pad. The hemagglutinating agent and the erythrocyte binding component to be used in combination are not particularly limited, but known examples include polycationic hemagglutinating agents in addition to lectins, polyclonal antibodies, and monoclonal antibodies. Examples of the known polycationic hemagglutinating agent include polybrene, polylysine, polyacrylamine, and polyalanine. Among them, polybrene is preferable. Polybrene is a type of cationic polymer having a chemical name of hexadimethrin bromide and given CAS No. 28728-55-4.

  The hemagglutinating agent and erythrocyte-binding component should be used in a sample diluent for diluting the sample, added directly to the sample, or included in the sample supply section (sample pad) of the immunochromatographic test strip. Can be. According to such a use mode, red blood cells in whole blood are aggregated.

(Porous membrane)
The porous membrane used in the immunochromatographic test strip of the present invention is characterized in that a specific binding substance for detection is immobilized on the surface, and an opaque substrate is disposed on the back surface. .

The opaque substrate of the present invention disposed on the back surface of the porous membrane is a member disposed for lining the membrane because the membrane is porous, and a water-impermeable film or the like is used. Such an opaque substrate of the present invention is sometimes called a so-called “backing member”. The base material can be backed by bonding to the back surface of the porous membrane, or can be formed by previously laminating the porous membrane on the top surface of the water-impermeable film.
The opaque substrate of the present invention may be disposed on the back side of the porous membrane, may be in contact with an adhesive layer, or may be in contact without an adhesive layer if adhesiveness is ensured. Is also good. When a backing sheet described later is provided, it is arranged below the opaque substrate (backing member) of the present invention.
In the present invention, the base material on the back surface of the porous membrane has been conventionally transparent, but by using an opaque base material, the color of the relevant portion of the membrane is whiter than the surrounding colors, and the color is lost. It was possible to avoid the so-called "white spot phenomenon" (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "white spots").

Opaque refers to being non-transparent, the other side being invisible, and does not require complete opacity, but is more preferably completely opaque.
As the opaque substrate, a substrate having a similar color to the porous membrane is preferable.If the porous membrane is white, the substrate of the present invention is also desirably a cream color or gray close to white, of which white is the most preferable. preferable.
Any opaque substrate may be used as long as it is impermeable and opaque, and any material can be used. For example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, nylons and the like can be mentioned.

  In addition, by providing the opaque substrate of the present invention on the back surface of the porous membrane, it was possible to suppress variations in measured values on a test line. The reason for this is not clear, but due to the matching of the colors on the front and back surfaces of the membrane, a reduction in the appearance non-uniformity of the surface component (nitrocellulose) and the optical means of the backing sheet placed under the membrane It is assumed that simultaneous reproducibility is improved by avoiding the influence of reflected light.

  Any material can be used as the porous membrane (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a membrane). Examples include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylons, glass, polysaccharides such as cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and porous membranes such as ceramics. Specific examples include glass fiber filter paper and nitrocellulose membrane sold by Merck Millipore, Toyo Roshi, GE Healthcare, and the like. Also, by appropriately selecting the pore size and structure of the porous membrane, it is possible to control the speed at which the immune complex of the labeled specific binding substance and the detection target flows through the membrane. By controlling the flow rate through the membrane, the amount of the labeled specific binding substance that binds to the specific binding substance immobilized on the membrane can be adjusted. It is desirable to optimize in consideration of the combination of the immunochromatographic test piece with other constituent materials.

(Immobilization of specific binding substance on porous membrane)
The immobilization of a specific binding substance such as an antibody to the detection target of the present invention on a porous membrane can be performed by a generally known method. For example, in the case of a flow-through method, the above-mentioned specific binding substance is adjusted to a predetermined concentration, and the liquid is applied to the porous membrane in a predetermined amount, in a specific symbol such as a dot or +. Also, at this time, in order to ensure the reliability of the immunochromatographic detection method, a protein or compound that can bind to the conjugate is immobilized at a position different from the specific binding substance that binds to the detection target to form a “control line”. That is common. Further, the “specific control substance” that binds to the control reagent may be immobilized at a different position from the specific binding substance that binds to the detection target to form a “control line”.

In the case of the lateral flow type, using a device having a mechanism capable of adjusting the above specific binding substance to a predetermined concentration and moving the liquid in the horizontal direction while discharging the liquid from the nozzle at a constant speed. This is performed by coating the porous membrane in a line shape. At this time, the concentration of the specific binding substance is preferably from 0.1 to 5 mg / mL, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 mg / mL. In addition, the amount of the specific binding substance immobilized on the porous membrane can be optimized by adjusting the coating amount dropped on the porous membrane in the case of the flow-through type, and in the case of the lateral flow type, It can be optimized by adjusting the discharge speed from the nozzle of the above-mentioned device. In particular, in the case of the lateral flow type, 0.5 to 2 μL / cm is preferable.
In the present invention, the term "flow-through type membrane assay" refers to a method in which a sample liquid or the like is developed so as to pass perpendicularly to a porous membrane, and the term "lateral flow type membrane assay" refers to: This refers to a method in which a sample liquid or the like is developed so as to move in a direction parallel to the porous membrane.

  Further, in the present invention, regarding the application position of the binding specific binding substance to the target substance on the porous membrane, in the case of the lateral flow method, the detection reagent is developed from the conjugate pad by capillary action, and each of the detection reagents is developed. What is necessary is just to arrange | position so that a specific binding substance may pass in order to the line with which it was apply | coated. Preferably, the line to which the specific binding substance that binds to the detection target is applied is located upstream, and the line to which the control specific binding substance is applied is located downstream. At this time, it is desirable that the distance between the lines be sufficiently long so that the signal of the label can be detected. Also in the case of the flow-through method, the application position of the specific binding substance that binds to the target object may be any position as long as the signal of the label can be detected.

  The specific binding substance solution to be applied to the porous membrane can be usually prepared using a predetermined buffer. Examples of the type of the buffer include commonly used buffers such as a phosphate buffer, a Tris buffer, and a good buffer. The pH of the buffer is preferably in the range of 6.0 to 9.5, and may be appropriately set according to the properties of the specific binding substance to be used. For example, a buffer of pH 8.0 can be used for the anti-cTnI antibody described below. The buffer may further contain salts such as NaCl, stabilizers such as sucrose and preservatives, preservatives such as proclin and the like. Salts include those added for adjusting the ionic strength, such as NaCl, and those added during the step of adjusting the pH of the buffer such as sodium hydroxide. After the specific binding substance is immobilized on the porous membrane, the blocking agent can be further covered with a commonly used blocking agent in the form of a solution or a vapor to cover portions other than the specific binding substance immobilization site. In this specification, a porous membrane on which a specific binding substance is immobilized as described above may be referred to as a “specific binding substance-immobilized membrane”.

(Absorbing pad)
In the present invention, the absorption pad is a portion having a liquid absorbency that controls the development of the sample by absorbing the sample that has moved and passed through the porous membrane. In the lateral flow type, it may be provided at the most downstream of the test piece, and in the flow-through type, it may be provided, for example, below the specific binding substance-immobilized membrane. As the absorbent pad, for example, filter paper can be used, but it is not limited to this.

(Backing sheet)
In the present invention, the backing sheet is a solid phase for supporting a test piece, and a sheet made of a plastic sheet to which an adhesive is adhered is usually used. Examples of the material of the backing sheet include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl chloride. The color of the backing sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably the same color as the membrane. When the membrane is white, the backing sheet is also preferably white.

(Top film)
In the present invention, the top film refers to a sheet-like member covering the uppermost surface of a test piece, and increases the mechanical strength of a porous membrane on which a specific binding substance is immobilized, It is used to prevent evaporation (drying) of water. As the material of the top film, any material can be used as long as the above-mentioned object can be achieved, and polyester and the like can be mentioned. The top film can be coated on the test piece with an adhesive, or can be laminated. In the present invention, it has been found that the white spot phenomenon that is enhanced by coating the test piece with the top film can be reduced by making the backing member of the membrane opaque. Therefore, the effect of the present invention is more remarkable in the test piece provided with the top film.

(Detection device)
The test piece for immunochromatography of the present invention is suitable in consideration of the size of the test piece, the method and position of addition of the sample, the position of immobilizing the specific binding substance on the specific binding substance immobilized membrane, the signal detection method, and the like. It can be stored and mounted in a simple container (housing) for use, and the state of being stored and mounted in this way is called a "device".

(Other)
In the present specification, the `` porous membrane '' is a `` solid phase '', a specific binding substance such as an antigen or an antibody is physically or chemically supported on the porous membrane or the state in which it is supported is `` fixed '' It may be expressed as "immobilization", "immobilization", "sensitization", or "adsorption".

(Sample)
In the detection method of the present invention, the “specimen” containing the detection target refers to a biological sample such as blood, urine, sputum, saliva, nasal discharge, nasal swab, pharyngeal swab, other body fluids, feces, and the like. The biological sample may be used as a sample as it is, and a sample obtained by appropriately diluting with a diluent, extracting and / or filtering is also included in the sample of the present invention. Blood samples include whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, serum, and the like.
The blood sample also includes a sample collected from a blood collection tube to which an anticoagulant such as EDTA or heparin is added at the time of blood collection.

(Detection target)
The detection target of the present invention is a substance present in a biological specimen such as blood (whole blood), red blood cells, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, or sputum, such as CRP (C-reactive protein), IgA, and IgG. , IgM and other inflammation-related markers, fibrin degradation products (eg, D-dimer), soluble fibrin, coagulation / fibrinolysis markers such as TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complex), PIC (plasmin-plasmin inhibitor complex), oxidized LDL, BNP (brain natriuretic peptide), H-FABP (heart-type fatty acid binding protein), circulation-related markers such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), metabolism-related markers such as adiponectin, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), AFP (α- Fetoprotein), CA19-9, CA125, PSA (prostate specific antigen) Tumor markers, HBV of (B hepatitis virus), HCV (C hepatitis virus), Chlamydia trachomatis, infections associated markers, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, allergen-specific IgE (immunoglobulin E), hormones, such as a drug is exemplified. Among these, D dimer, CRP, BNP, H-FABP, cTnI, etc., which are highly demanded to use whole blood as a specimen, are more preferable.

(Specific binding compound)
In the present invention, examples of specific binding substances for insoluble carrier particles such as colloidal gold and the substance to be measured carried on the porous membrane include proteins, peptides, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, DNA, RNA, receptors, haptens There are no particular restrictions on the origin of the molecular weight, such as high or low, natural or synthetic, and examples thereof include an antibody or an antigen that can be used in an immunological assay using an immune reaction.

(Antibody used in the present invention)
The antibody to the detection target used in the present invention is not limited at all by the method for producing, as long as it is an antibody that specifically reacts with the detection target, and may be a polyclonal antibody or a monoclonal antibody. You may. More preferably, it is a monoclonal antibody. Generally, a hybridoma producing the antibody is a myeloma of the same species as the spleen cells of an animal immunized with the detection target as an immunogen according to the method of Kohler and Milstein (see Nature, 256: 495 (1975)). It can be produced by cell fusion with cells (myeloma cells).

As the antibody of the present invention, a functional fragment of an antibody having an antigen-antibody reaction activity can be used in addition to the whole antibody molecule. In addition to those obtained through the immunization process of general animals (mouse, goat, sheep, etc.), the amino acid sequence of an animal species different from that of the animal immunizing the immunogen (substance to be measured) by genetic recombination technology An antibody (such as a chimeric specific binding substance, a humanized antibody, or a fully humanized antibody) may be used. Functional fragments of antibodies include F (ab ′) ₂ , Fab ′ which are fragments having antigen-antibody reaction activity, and single-chain antibodies (scFv). Functional fragments of these antibodies can be produced by treating the antibody obtained as described above with a proteolytic enzyme (for example, pepsin or papain).

  Here, when the antibody used in the measurement method for detecting a detection target by forming a so-called sandwich is a monoclonal antibody, an antibody for immobilizing a label (first antibody) and an antibody for immobilizing a porous membrane (second antibody) When the epitope of the first antibody is monovalent, the epitope of the second antibody is different from that of the first antibody, and when the epitope of the first antibody is polyvalent, The epitope of the antibody may be the same as or different from the first antibody.

(kit)
A detection kit using the immunochromatographic test strip of the present invention is an immunochromatographic test strip including at least a porous membrane, a sample supply unit, a developing unit, and a detection unit in which an antibody is immobilized, wherein the detection unit is a porous membrane. What is necessary is just to include the test piece, wherein the test piece is fixed to the surface of the porous membrane and an opaque substrate is disposed on the back surface of the porous membrane.
This detection kit includes other reagents necessary for detection (for example, a detection reagent including a conjugate), a diluent of a sample, a test tube, a swab for collecting stool, an instruction manual, a housing for storing a test piece, and the like. May be.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described. However, the examples are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[Test Example 1] Test for confirming effect of avoiding white spot phenomenon The effect of avoiding the white spot phenomenon when using the antibody-immobilized membrane lined with the white base material of the present invention is compared with the case where the conventional transparent base material is used for backing. did.

1. Preparation of the immunochromatographic detection device of the present invention 1) Preparation of colloidal gold-labeled anti-cTnI monoclonal antibody (anti-cTnI antibody conjugate) (i) Preparation of colloidal gold solution (60 nm)
To 5000 mL of purified water heated to 93 ° C., 10 mL of a 7% (w / v) triammonium citrate aqueous solution was added and mixed with stirring. Subsequently, 10 mL of a 5% (w / v) aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric (III) acid was added, and the mixture was reacted for 10 minutes with stirring. Then, the reaction solution was boiled. Thereafter, the solution was cooled in ice water to prepare a gold colloid solution having an average particle size of 60 nm. The solution of the gold colloid having an average particle diameter of 60 nm was adjusted to 1 OD / mL in purified water by the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength of the gold colloid.

(Ii) Preparation of 3cTnI Antibody Conjugate An anti-cTnI monoclonal prepared by diluting 69.3 μg / mL with 2 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.0) to 200 mL of the above 1 OD / mL 60 nm colloidal gold solution (pH 8.0) 10 mL of the antibody was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. To the mixed solution of the gold colloid and the antibody, 10 mL of purified water containing 0.5% (w / v) Neo Protein Saver (Toyobo Co., No. NPS-301) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. . Thereafter, the mixture was centrifuged at 11,900 × g for 45 minutes at 10 ° C. After removing the supernatant, 10 mL of a 0.2% (w / v) Neo Protein Saver aqueous solution was added to the obtained precipitate to suspend the conjugate, thereby obtaining an anti-cTnI antibody conjugate.

(Iii) Preparation of colloidal gold solution (40 nm)
To 5000 mL of purified water heated to 73 ° C., 10 mL of a 5% (w / v) aqueous solution of triammonium citrate was added and mixed with stirring. Subsequently, 10 mL of a 5% (w / v) aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric (III) acid was added, and the mixture was reacted for 10 minutes with stirring. Then, the reaction solution was boiled. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled in ice water to prepare a gold colloid solution having an average particle diameter of 40 nm. The solution of the gold colloid having an average particle diameter of 40 nm was adjusted to 1 OD / mL in purified water by the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength of the gold colloid.

(Iv) Preparation of Colloidal Gold Labeled KLH (KLH Conjugate) for Control Line 200 mL of the above 1 OD / mL 40 nm gold colloid solution (pH 6.1) was 375 μg / mL with 2 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.1). 2.67 mL of KLH (manufactured by Sigma) dissolved therein was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 20 mL of a 10% bovine serum albumin (BSA) aqueous solution was added to the mixture of the colloidal gold and KLH, followed by stirring at room temperature for 5 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was centrifuged at 10 ° C. for 45 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. Then, 10.7 mL of Conjugate Dilution Buffer (Scripps) was added to the obtained precipitate to suspend the conjugate, thereby obtaining a KLH conjugate. Was.

2) Preparation of conjugate pad Anti-cTnI antibody conjugate 3 OD, KLH conjugate 0.75 OD, 0.5% LipidureBL-1301, 0.25 mg / ml Heteroblock, 2.4% lactose, 2.0% NPS , 20 mM MOPS (pH 7.2) and 1/6 amount of Conjugate Dilution Buffer with respect to the total amount to prepare a conjugate solution, and a fixed volume of a glass fiber pad (Merck Millipore) was used. .2 times the volume. The conjugate pad was dried by heating at 70 ° C. for 45 minutes in a dry oven.

3) anti-cTnI monoclonal antibody immobilized membrane (10mM PB (0.09% NaN ₃ containing containing 2.5% sucrose for making test line anti cTnI monoclonal antibody of the antibody immobilized membrane)) (pH 8.0) It was diluted to 3 mg / mL.
Further, for the control line, it was diluted prepared to 1 mg / mL rabbit anti-KLH polyclonal antibody 10mM PB (0.09% NaN ₃ containing) containing (Bethyl, Inc.) 2.5% sucrose (pH 7.2).
The above-mentioned anti-cTnI monoclonal antibody was applied to the inside of one end of the short side of the nitrocellulose membrane lined with a transparent or white base material shown in Table 1 at 1 μL / cm using a dispenser “XYZ3050” for immunochromatography (BIO DOT). , And the test solution was applied in a line to form a test line. An anti-KLH polyclonal antibody was similarly applied at an interval of about 4 mm from the position of the test line to form a control line. The membrane was dried at 70 ° C. for 45 minutes in a dry oven to obtain an antibody-immobilized membrane.

4) Preparation of Sample Pad A 20 mM MOPS (pH 7.2) containing 0.5% lactose and 2% polybrene was adjusted to prepare a sample pad pretreatment solution.
A glass fiber pad (Lydall) was appropriately cut to a necessary size, and a sample pad pretreatment solution was impregnated with 1.5 times the volume of the pad, and dried in a dry oven at 70 ° C. for 45 minutes. These were used as sample pads.

5) Preparation of immunochromatographic test piece An antibody-immobilized porous membrane (b-1) lined with each of the above substrates (b-2) was attached to the backing sheet (a), and the anti-cTnI antibody (c ) And then the anti-KLH antibody (d), the application sections were arranged in this order, and a blood cell separation membrane (3rd Pad) (e) was further mounted on the membrane. Next, the conjugate pad (f) prepared in 2) above is placed and mounted, and the sample pad (g) prepared in 4) is placed and mounted so as to overlap the conjugate pad. An absorbent pad (h) was arranged and mounted. Finally, the surfaces of the absorption pad and the antibody-immobilized membrane were covered with a top film (i) so that a part of the antibody-immobilized membrane was exposed. In this way, each component was cut into a superposed structure to prepare an immunochromatographic test piece. The test strip may be stored and mounted in a dedicated plastic housing (having a sample addition window and a detection window, not shown in FIG. 4) during the assay, and may be in the form of an immunochromatographic test detection device. . FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the immunochromatographic test piece.

2. Detection or measurement by immunochromatography method 120 μL of a plasma sample solution containing cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at any concentration within the range of 0 to 10 ng / mL is added to the sample pad window of the immunochromatography test detection device prepared above, After 15 minutes, the vicinity of the test line was visually observed, and the presence or absence of white spots was evaluated. Table 1 shows the results.
<Evaluation criteria for white spots>
Twelve or twenty samples were visually evaluated, and if even one white spot was recognized, white spots were determined to be “present”, and if zero spots were determined, white spots were determined to be “absent”.

3. Results When a nitrocellulose membrane lined with a transparent substrate was used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, the phenomenon of white spots was observed shortly before the test line, but it was lined with the white substrate of the present invention. When the nitrocellulose membrane was used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, the phenomenon of white spots was not observed. Therefore, by improving the visibility in the visual evaluation of the immunochromatography test, more accurate evaluation becomes possible.
In this case, white spots are determined and evaluated by visual observation. However, in the case of optical measurement using an apparatus, waveform disturbance is avoided and a baseline can be set correctly.

[Test Example 2] Confirmation test of CV reduction effect Comparison of the variation in measured values obtained by optical measurement using the antibody-immobilized membrane backed with the white base material of the present invention as compared with the case where the conventional transparent base material was used did.

1. Manufacture of immunochromatographic device The immunochromatographic test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1 except that two types of membranes (HF180, CN140) lined with a transparent substrate and a porous membrane (CN150) lined with a white substrate of the present invention were used. Pieces were produced.

2. Detection or measurement by immunochromatography method 120 μL of a plasma sample solution containing 40 or 60 pg / mL of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is added to the sample pad window of the immunochromatography test device prepared above, and 15 minutes later, immunochromatography rapid pier (Sekisui The amount of coloration (absorbance) of the test line was measured using a medical company, and their CV values (variations) were calculated. CV is a coefficient of variation (Coefficient of Variation), which can be obtained by dividing a standard deviation by an average value. The results are shown in FIG.

3. Result When the porous membrane backed with the white substrate of the present invention is used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, the CV value is reduced as compared with the case where the membrane backed with the transparent substrate is used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, The reproducibility of measurement has been improved.

[Test Example 3] CV reduction effect confirmation test (low concentration side)
A test was performed to determine whether the effect of reducing the variation of Test Example 2 was exhibited even when the concentration of the target substance was low.

1. Production of Immunochromatographic Device An immunochromatographic test was performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1 except that two lots of a membrane (CN140) lined with a transparent substrate and a porous membrane (CN150) lined with a white substrate of the present invention were used. Pieces were produced.

2. Detection or measurement by immunochromatography The measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Test Example 2 except that a plasma sample solution containing 15 pg / mL of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was used, and the CV value (variation) was calculated. The results are shown in FIG.

3. Results When the porous membrane lined with the white substrate of the present invention was used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, even when the concentration of the detection target was low, the membrane lined with the transparent substrate was immobilized with the antibody. The CV value was reduced as compared with the case where the membrane was used, and the reproducibility of the measurement was improved. Similar results were obtained with two different lots.

[Test Example 4] Confirmation test of CV reduction effect (high concentration side)
A test was performed to determine whether the effect of reducing the variation of Test Example 2 was exhibited even when the concentration of the target substance was high.

1. Production of Immunochromatographic Device An immunochromatographic test piece was produced in the same manner as in Test Example 1 except that a membrane (CN140) lined with a transparent substrate and a porous membrane (CN150) lined with a white substrate of the present invention were used. did.

2. Detection or Measurement by Immunochromatography The measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Test Example 2 except that a plasma sample solution containing 400 pg / mL of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was used, and the CV value (variation) was calculated. The results are shown in FIG.

3. Results When the porous membrane lined with the white substrate of the present invention was used as the antibody-immobilized membrane, even if the concentration of the detection target was high, the porous membrane lined with the transparent substrate was used as the antibody. The CV value was significantly reduced as compared with the case of using the immobilized membrane, and the reproducibility of the measurement was greatly improved.

  An immunochromatographic test strip comprising at least a porous membrane of the present invention, a sample supply unit, a developing unit, and a detection unit having a specific binding substance immobilized thereon, wherein the detection unit is immobilized on the surface of the porous membrane. According to the test piece in which the opaque substrate is disposed on the back surface of the porous membrane, white spots near the test line can be avoided.

In addition, it is possible to provide an immunochromatographic test piece with less variation in measured values.
According to the present invention, not only the visibility in visual judgment is improved by avoiding white spots on the test piece, but also the dispersion of measured values in optical measurement is reduced, so that more accurate measurement can be performed in any detection method. Can be realized.

(A) backing sheet (b) antibody-immobilized membrane (b-1) porous membrane (b-2) backing substrate (c) anti-cTnI antibody (test line)
(D) Anti-KLH antibody (control line)
(E) Blood cell separation membrane (3rd Pad)
(F) conjugate pad (g) sample pad (h) absorption pad (i) top film

(Ii) Preparation of Anti- cTnI Antibody Conjugate Anti- cTnI prepared by diluting 69.3 μg / mL with 2 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.0) to 200 mL of the above 1 OD / mL 60 nm gold colloid solution (pH 8.0). 10 mL of the monoclonal antibody was added and stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. To the mixed solution of the gold colloid and the antibody, 10 mL of purified water containing 0.5% (w / v) Neo Protein Saver (Toyobo Co., No. NPS-301) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. . Thereafter, the mixture was centrifuged at 11,900 × g for 45 minutes at 10 ° C. After removing the supernatant, 10 mL of a 0.2% (w / v) Neo Protein Saver aqueous solution was added to the obtained precipitate to suspend the conjugate, thereby obtaining an anti-cTnI antibody conjugate.

Claims (18)

At least including a porous membrane, a sample supply unit, a developing unit, an immunochromatographic test piece having a detection unit, wherein the detection unit is immobilized on the surface of the porous membrane,
The test piece, wherein an opaque substrate is disposed on a back surface of the porous membrane. The test piece according to claim 1, wherein the opaque substrate is a member for backing a porous membrane. The immunochromatographic test strip according to claim 1, wherein the opaque substrate is a white substrate. The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sample pad serving as the sample supply unit, and a conjugate pad containing a differently binding substance labeled with colloidal gold or colored latex. The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific binding substance is an antibody. The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a backing sheet is disposed below the porous membrane. The immunochromatographic test strip according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is a test strip for detection by optical means. An immunochromatographic detection kit comprising the immunochromatographic test strip according to claim 1. An immunochromatographic detection method, wherein the following test piece is used;
An immunochromatographic test strip comprising a porous membrane having at least a detection portion, wherein an opaque substrate is disposed on the back side of the porous membrane. The immunochromatography detection method according to claim 9, wherein the opaque substrate is a member for lining a porous membrane. The immunochromatographic detection method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the opaque substrate is a white substrate. The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the test strip includes a sample pad serving as the sample supply unit, and a conjugate pad containing a specific binding substance labeled with colloidal gold or colored latex. . The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the specific binding substance is an antibody. The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the test piece has a backing sheet disposed below the porous membrane. The immunochromatographic detection method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, comprising a step of detecting an optical parameter derived from the labeling substance by optical means. The method for detecting immunochromatography according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a step of determining coloration derived from the labeling substance by visual observation. A method for reducing the dispersion of measured values in the immunochromatographic detection method,
The above-mentioned method characterized by using the following test pieces;
At least including a porous membrane, a sample supply unit, a developing unit, an immunochromatographic test piece having a detection unit,
The detection unit is immobilized on the porous membrane surface,
A test piece having an opaque substrate disposed on the back side of the porous membrane. A method for reducing white spots in a test piece in an immunochromatography detection method using the test piece, wherein the method uses the following test piece;
At least including a porous membrane, a sample supply section, a developing section, an immunochromatographic test piece having a detection section, wherein the detection section is immobilized on the porous membrane surface,
A test piece having an opaque substrate disposed on the back side of the porous membrane.