A Membrane Adsorption Assay is a laboratory technique used to study how molecules (such as proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, or small compounds) interact with and bind to membranes. It can be applied in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and drug discovery.
? What It Is
In simple terms, it’s an assay that measures the binding (adsorption) of a molecule of interest onto a membrane surface (synthetic or biological).
The membrane acts as a solid support (nitrocellulose, PVDF, nylon, or lipid membranes).
Adsorption is typically non-covalent, relying on hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic forces, or specific binding affinities.
? Common Formats
Protein/Nucleic Acid Binding Assays
Test how strongly biomolecules bind to membranes.
Example: DNA-protein binding studies (using nylon or nitrocellulose filters).
Dot Blot / Slot Blot Assays
Samples are applied directly onto a membrane; binding of target molecules is detected by labeled probes or antibodies.
Virus/Exosome Adsorption Assays
Measure how viral particles or extracellular vesicles adsorb to membranes (e.g., cell membranes or artificial lipid bilayers).
Membrane Chromatography Adsorption Assays
Analytical form used in bioprocessing (monoclonal antibody purification, virus capture, endotoxin removal).
Quantifies adsorption capacity and binding kinetics of membranes.
? Applications
Protein–ligand interaction studies
Vaccine & virus research (viral binding to host membranes)
Exosome or nanoparticle characterization
Bioprocess development (adsorption efficiency of membrane chromatography resins)
Drug screening (binding affinity to lipid membranes mimicking cell membranes)
? Readouts
Colorimetric (e.g., enzyme-labeled antibodies)
Fluorescence / Radioactive labels
Spectrophotometric quantification (amount retained on membrane)
Chromatogram curves (in membrane chromatography setups)
? In short:
A Membrane Adsorption Assay is any assay that uses a membrane as the solid phase to capture or measure adsorption of biomolecules, particles, or drugs—helping assess binding strength, specificity, and adsorption capacity.
