Taguchi optimisation of ELISA procedures.

We propose a new method in the field of ELISA optimization using an experimental design called the Taguchi method. This can be used to compare the net effects of different conditions which can be both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The method reduces the effects of the interactions of the optimized variables making it possible to access the optimum conditions even in cases where there are large interactions between the variables of the assay. Furthermore, the proposed special assignment of factors makes it possible to calculate the biochemical parameters of the ELISA procedure carried out under optimum conditions. Thus, the calibration curve, the sensitivity of the optimum assay, the intra-assay and inter-assay variability can be estimated. The method is fast, accessing the results in one step, compared to the traditional, time-consuming 'one-step-at-a-time' method. We exemplify the procedure with a method to optimize the detection of ScFv (single chain fragment of variable) phages by ELISA. All the necessary calculations can be carried out by a spreadsheet program without any special statistical knowledge.