Sensitive visualization of antigen-antibody reactions in dot and blot immune overlay assays with immunogold and immunogold/silver staining.

The use of colloidal gold and colloidal gold followed by silver enhancement as marker for dot or blot immune overlays is described. Colloidal gold probes concentrating at the sites of immune reaction gradually develop a pinkish colour during incubation that can be seen with the naked eye. With a physical developer, very high sensitivity and contrast is obtained by silver precipitation on the gold marker. Comparison of the immunogold and immunogold/silver staining methods with the indirect, PAP and ABC immunoperoxidase methods demonstrates that colloidal gold probes are excellent markers for immune overlay assays.