Measurement of Albumin Secretion as Functionality Test

Albumin secretion in the supernatant of in vitro cultures can be measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The assay is based upon a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique and measures albumin in the culture medium of primary hepatocytes and/or hepatocyte like cells. Standards and samples are sandwiched between an immobilized polyclonal antibody and a biotinylated polyclonal antibody specific for albumin. The latter is recognized by a streptavidinperoxidase conjugate and after adding a peroxidase enzyme substrate, a blue color is developed. The blue product, on its turn, is converted towards a yellow derivative of which the absorbance can be measured at 450 nm.