ELISA protein detector (EPD): A Python-based ELISA tool for accurate low-level protein quantification

• Published in: Journal of immunological methods Vol. 539; p. 113847
• Main Authors: Lu, You, Qi, Li, Xu, QinZheng, Li, ZhuoHuan, Duan, Hao, He, Fei, Zhao, Na, Hyman, James M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.04.2025
• Subjects: Algorithms; Calibration; Curve fitting; ELISA; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - methods; Humans; Non-liner least square; Protein concentration quantification; Proteins - analysis; Python-based program; Reproducibility of Results; Software; Non-liner least square; Curve fitting; Protein concentration quantification; ELISA; Python-based program
• ISSN: 0022-1759; 1872-7905; 1872-7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2025.113847

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a cornerstone technique for quantifying protein secretion in biological research. However, the built-in software provided by ELISA plate readers often struggles to accurately detect low-concentration proteins, particularly in the sub-nanogram/mL range, due to limitations in calibration curve fitting. We developed the ELISA Protein Detector (EPD) to overcome these challenges. This open-source Python-based software employs advanced optimization algorithms to enhance curve fitting precision, particularly at low detection thresholds.” EPD features an intuitive user interface, requires minimal technical expertise, and supports robust cross-validation to enhance the reliability of ELISA data analysis. Tested on Windows systems, this tool provides a cost-effective and versatile solution for researchers, enabling accurate quantification of low-level protein concentrations and addressing the shortcomings of standard ELISA software in diverse biological and clinical applications.