Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, alpha-fetoprotein, also sometimes called alpha-1-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoglobulin, or alpha fetal protein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q25). AFP is the most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus. Plasma levels decrease rapidly after birth but begin decreasing prenatally starting at the end of the first trimester. Normal adult levels are usually achieved by the age of 8 to 12 months. The function of AFP in adult humans is unknown, however, in rodents it binds estradiol to prevent the transport of this hormone across the placenta to the fetus. The main function of this is to prevent the virilization of female fetuses. As human AFP does not bind estrogen, its function in humans is less clear. Sample Type: Cell lysates, serum, cell culture supernates, plasma (heparin or EDTA). Intended Use: Sandwich High Sensitivity BioAssay(TM) ELISA kit for Quantitative Detection of Human AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein. Sensitivity: <10pg/ml Range: 78pg/ml-5000pg/ml Specificity: Recognizes natural and recombinant Human AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein. There is no detectable cross-reactivity with other relevant proteins. Test Principle: This Human AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein BioAssay(TM) ELISA Kit was based on standard sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology. A specific for AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein has been precoated onto 96-well plates. Standards(Expression system for standard: NSO, Immunogen sequence: R19-V609) and test samples are added to the wells, a biotinylated detection specific for AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein is added subsequently and then followed by washing with PBS or TBS buffer. Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex was added and unbound conjugates were washed away with PBS or TBS buffer. HRP substrate TMB was used to visualize HRP enzymatic reaction. TMB was catalyzed by HRP to produce a blue color product that changed into yellow after adding acidic stop solution. The density of yellow is proportional to the Human AFP/Alpha 1 Fetoprotein amount of sample captured in plate. Kit Components: 96-well plate precoated with anti-Human AFP antibody, 1x plate Lyophilized recombinant Human AFP standard, 2x5ng/tube Biotinylated anti-Human AFP antibody, 1x130ul (dilution 1:100) Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex (ABC), 1x130ul (dilution 1:100) Sample diluent buffer, 1x30ml Antibody diluent buffer, 1x12ml ABC diluent buffer, 1x12ml TMB color developing agent, 1x10ml TMB stop solution, 1x10ml PBS washing buffer Powder for 1000ml, 1x buffer Storage and Stability: Store powder at 4C liquid at -20C. Store other components at 4C. Stable for at least 6 months For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
