The Biomedica human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) ELISA kit is a 4.5 hour 96-well sandwich enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative determination of human VEGF in serum, plasma (EDTA, citrate) , cell culture supernatants, and urine samples.
The VEGF ELISA assay recognizes both natural and recombinant human VEGF with high sensitivity. The assay employs highly specific epitope mapped antibodies as well as eight human serum-based standards and two controls to ensure the measurement of biologically reliable data.
Human VEGF ELISA Assay Principle
The human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) ELISA kit is a sandwich enzyme immunoassay that has been optimized and fully validated for the quantitative determination of human VEGF in serum, EDTA-plasma, and citrate plasma. Validation experiments have been performed according to international quality guidelines (ICH/ FDA/ EMEA). Cell culture supernatant and urine samples are compatible with this ELISA. The VEGF ELISA assay recognizes both natural and recombinant human VEGF.
The figure below explains the principle of the human VEGF sandwich ELISA:
This kit is a sandwich enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative determination of human VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) in human serum, plasma, cell culture supernatants, and urine samples. In a first step, assay buffer is pipetted into the wells of the microtiter strips. Thereafter, STD/sample/CTRL are pipetted into the wells, which are pre-coated with the recombinant anti-human VEGF antibody. Any soluble VEGF present in the STD/sample/CTRL binds to the pre-coated anti-VEGF antibody in the well. After incubation, a washing step is applied where all non-specific unbound material is removed. In a next step, the biotinylated anti-VEGF antibody (AB) is pipetted into the wells and reacts with the VEGF present in the sample, forming a sandwich. Next, all unbound antibody is removed during another washing step. In the next step, the conjugate (streptavidin-HRPO) is added and reacts with the biotinylated anti-VEGF antibody. After another washing step, the substrate (Tetramethylbenzidine; TMB) is pipetted into the wells. The enzyme catalysed colour change of the substrate is directly proportional to the amount of VEGF present in the sample. This colour change is detectable with a standard microtiter plate ELISA reader. A dose response curve of the absorbance (optical density, OD at 450 nm) versus standard concentration is generated, using the values obtained from the standards. The concentration of soluble VEGF in the sample is determined directly from the dose response curve.
Typical Data
This standard curve and the displayed O.D. values are for demonstration only. A standard curve should be generated for each assay run.
Standard
VEGF pg/ml
OD
#1
#2
Average
CV%
STD1
0
0.098
0.090
0.094
6
STD2
31.25
0.151
0.157
0.154
3
STD3
62.5
0.210
0.218
0.214
3
STD4
125
0.322
0.322
0.322
0
STD5
250
0.557
0.545
0.551
2
STD6
500
0.969
0.928
0.949
3
STD7
1000
1.577
1.619
1.619
4
STD8
2000
2.894
2.894
2.894
0
The quality control protocol supplied with the kit shows the results of the final release QC for each kit at the production date. ODs obtained by customers may differ due to various influences including a normal decrease of signal intensity throughout shelf life. However, this does not affect the validity of the results, provided an OD of 1.50 or higher is obtained for the standard with the highest concentration, and the measured control values fall into their respective target range (see labels).
VEGF ELISA Kit Components
All reagents supplied in the human VEGF ELISA kit are stable at 2-8°C until the expiry date stated on the label of each reagent. Reconstituted reagents must be stored at -25°C until the expiry date.
Contents
Description
Quantity
PLATE
Microtiter strips coated with recombinant VEGF antibody specific for human VEGF in strip holder packed in an aluminum bag with desiccant
Serum, EDTA plasma, citrate plasma, cell culture supernatants, and urine samples are suitable for use in this assay. Do not change sample type during studies. We recommend duplicate measurements for all samples, standards and controls. The sample collection and storage conditions listed are intended as general guidelines.
Serum & Plasma
Collect venous blood samples by using standardized blood collection tubes. Perform plasma or serum separation by centrifugation according to supplier’s instructions of the blood collection devices. Assay the acquired samples immediately or aliquot and store at -25°C or lower. Lipemic or haemolyzed samples may give erroneous results. Samples are stable for up to five freeze-thaw cycles. Samples should be mixed well before assaying. We recommend duplicates for all values.
Cell Culture Supernatant
Cell culture supernatants should contain at least 1% fetal bovine serum for stability of the VEGF. Remove particles by centrifugation and assay immediately or aliquot and store samples at ≤ -25 °C or lower. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Urine
Aseptically collect the first urine of the day (mid-stream), voided directly into a sterile container. Centrifuge to remove particles matter, assay immediately or aliquot and store at -25°C or lower. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Reagent Preparation
Wash Buffer
1.
Bring the WASHBUF concentrate to room temperature. Crystals in the buffer concentrate will dissolve at room temperature (18-26°C)
2.
Dilute the WASHBUF concentrate 1:20, e.g. 50 ml WASHBUF + 950 ml distilled or deionized water. Only use diluted WASHBUF when performing the assay.
The diluted WASHBUF is stable up to one month at 4°C (2-8°C).
STANDARDS & CONTROLS FOR SERUM, PLASMA, CELL CULTURE SUPERNATANTS, AND URINE MEASUREMENTS
1.
Pipette 200 µl of distilled or deionized water into each standard (STDs) and control (CTRL) vial. The exact concentration is printed on the label of each vial.
2.
Leave at room temperature (18-26°C) for 15 min. Vortex gently.
Reconstituted STDs and CTRLs are stable -25°C or lower until expiry date stated on the label. STDs and CTRLs are stable up to five freeze-thaw cycles.
The standards and controls provided in the kit are suitable for all sample types.
Sample Preparation
Bring samples to room temperature and mix samples gently to ensure the samples are homogeneous. We recommend duplicate measurements for all samples.
Samples with analyte concentrations outside of the calibration range of the assay (2000 pg/ml) should be diluted with assay buffer (ASYBUF) and remeasured.
Human VEGF ELISA Assay Protocol
Read the entire instructions for use before beginning the assay.
All reagents and samples must be at room temperature (18-26°C) before use in the assay.
Mark position for STD/CTRL/SAMPLE (standard/control/sample) on the protocol sheet.
Take microtiter strips out of the aluminium bag. Store unused strips with desiccant at 4°C (2-8°C) in the aluminium bag. Strips are stable until expiry date stated on the label.
1.
Pipette 100 µl ASYBUF (Assay Buffer, natural cap) into each well
2.
Add 10 ul of STD/SAMPLE/CTRL (Standard, Sample/Control) in duplicate into respective well. Swirl gently.
3.
Cover tightly and incubate for 2 hours at room temperature (18-26°C).
4.
Aspirate and wash wells 5x with 300 µl diluted WASHBUF (Wash buffer, natural cap). After final wash, remove remaining WASHBUF by strongly tapping plate against paper towel.
5.
Add 100 µl AB (biotinylated anti-VEGF antibody, green cap) into each well, swirl gently.
6.
Cover tightly and incubate for 1 hour at room temperature (18-26°C).
7.
Aspirate and wash wells 5x with 300 µl diluted WASHBUF (Wash buffer, natural cap). After final wash, remove remaining WASHBUF by strongly tapping plate against paper towel.
8.
Add 100 µl CONJ (Conjugate, amber cap) into each well, swirl gently.
9.
Cover tightly and incubate for 1 hour at room temperature (18-26°C).
10.
Aspirate and wash wells 5x with 300 µl diluted WASHBUF (Wash buffer, natural cap).
After final wash, remove remaining WASHBUF by strongly tapping plate against paper towel..
11.
Add 100 µl SUB (Substrate, blue cap) into each well, swirl gently.
12.
Incubate for 30 min at room temperature (18-26°C), in the dark.
13.
Add 50 μl STOP (stop solution, white cap) into each well, swirl gently.
14.
Measure absorbance immediately at 450 nm with reference 630 nm, if available.
Calculation of Results
Construct a standard curve from the absorbance read-outs of the standards using commercially available software capable of generating a four-parameter logistic (4-PL) fit.
Alternatively, plot the standards’ concentration on the x-axis against the mean absorbance for each standard on the y-axis and draw a best fit curve through the points on the graph.
Curve fitting algorithms other than 4-PL have not been validated and will need to be evaluated by the user.
Obtain sample concentrations from the standard curve. If required, pg/ml can be converted into pmol/l by applying a conversion factor ( 1pg/ml=0.052pmol/l).
Concentrations of high-measuring samples that have been diluted during sample preparation must be multiplied by the dilution factor.
Background & Therapeutic Areas
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF or VEGF-A), is a growth hormone secreted by endothelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, platelets, macrophages, and many other cell types. It belongs to the cysteine-knot growth factor superfamily (Peach C et al. ) and has a molecular weight of about 40 kDa.
Up to date 17 different VEGF isoforms were described to be expressed from one single gene. They are produced by alternative promoter usage/initiation or alternative splicing/proteolysis after protein translation. The N-terminal region is responsible for receptor binding and conserved among all VEGF isoforms. In contrast, residues of the C-terminus differ between isoforms and determine protein length and properties: binding to co-receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) or to extracellular matrix (ECM), agonist/antagonist of angiogenesis. Most isoforms result from the common transcripts: VEGF111, VEGF121, VEGF145, VEGF165, VEGF189 and VEGF206. Additionally, a third VEGF variant (VEGFAx), that demonstrates pro- and anti-apoptotic properties, was described. Thus, vascularization is tightly controlled by the balance of various splice variants, their availability and concentration, whereas isoforms linked to the ECM constitute a reservoir of VEGF that can quickly be shed to circulating forms (Peach C et al.).
One of the most potent pro-angiogenic isoforms is VEGF165a. After secretion, 50-70% of VEGF165a is attached to the extracellular matrix (via heparin binding site), the rest is freely diffusible ( Peach C et al.). It is the most abundant isoform and enhances signaling over the VEGFR2 receptor by additionally binding to its co-receptor Neuropilin-1.
VEGF A isoforms are glycosylated, homodimeric proteins. Two anti-parallel monomers are linked by intermolecular disulfide bonds (Wiesmann C et al.), whereas eight cysteine residues form a knot-like structure at one end of each monomer (Tjwa M et al.). However, heterodimerization with PLGF has been described as well (Olsson AK et al.)
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF or VEGFA) has an important role in vasculogenesis/angiogenesis stimulating cell survival, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells (Peach C et al. , Apte RS et al.). Apart from its vascular role, VEGF is also involved in skeletal bone formation and bone repair (Hu K et al.) and in the development/homeostasis of many other organs (respiratory, nervous, renal, heart, reproductive system etc.) (Tjwa M et al., Braile M et al. ) Although VEGF is essential for physiologic vascular homeostasis in diverse cells and tissues, it has been demonstrated to be important in the molecular pathogenesis of tumor growth and metastasis and in retinopathy associated with several blinding eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy (Ferrara N et al.)
Changes of the cellular environment (e.g. oxygen level, presence of other growth factors, cytokines, shear stress etc.) induce VEGF and VEGF receptor expression.
VEGF receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 are tyrosine kinases on vascular/non-vascular cells that are essential for transducing VEGF signals. Homo-/heterodimerization of receptors is a prerequisite for VEGF ligand binding. Upon receptor homo-/heterodimerization, VEGF binds and leads to the phosphorylation of the intracellular receptor domains, thus activating the signal transduction cascade (Wu FTH et al.). VEGF induces pro-angiogenic signals mainly via VEGFR2: sprouting angiogenesis and endothelial cell survival. In contrast, VEGFR1 works as a decoy receptor for circulating VEGF-A and exists as soluble form as well. Furthermore, it can dimerize and inactivate other receptor monomers as it lacks the cytoplasmatic, transducing domain. VEGF has a higher affinity for its decoy receptor than for the main signaling receptor. Additionally, there are several matrix proteins in the extracellular space that contain VEGF binding sites. The glycoproteins NRP1 and NRP2 are considered as co-receptors that are non signaling (Wu FTH et al.).
VEGF-mediated pathogenic effects are primarily due to its effects on vascular permeability , and neoangiogenesis-neovascularization (Apte RS et al). A number of therapeutic approaches have thus targeted one or more isoforms of VEGF, the VEGF receptors, or signaling pathways, and some have since led to approval of drugs by regulatory authorities around the world (Ferrara amd Adamis, 2016).
Areas of interest:
Cancer
Metabolic disease (diabetes and diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, obesity)
Contribution of Angiogenesis to Inflammation and Cancer Aguilar-Cazares D, Chavez-Dominguez R, Carlos-Reyes A, Lopez-Camarillo C, Hernadez de la Cruz ON, Lopez-Gonzalez JS. Front Oncol. 2019 Dec 12;9:1399. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01399.
All Biomedica ELISAs are validated according to international FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines. For more information about our validation guidelines, please refer to our quality page and published validation guidelines and literature.
Show validation literature
ICH Q2(R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology.
EMEA/CHMP/EWP/192217/2009 Guideline on bioanalytical method validation.
Bioanalytical Method Validation, Guidance for Industry, FDA, May 2018
Calibration
The Biomedica human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) ELISA kit is calibrated against a highly purified recombinant human VEGF165 protein (Ala27-Arg191; expressed in spodoptera frugiperda 21 ).
The calibrator is provided in eight lyophilized glass vials in the following concentrations: 0 / 31.25 / 62.5 / 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 / 2000 pg/ml, and is human serum based.
CALIBRATION using WHO standard
The WHO reference reagent VEGF165/NIBSC code 02/286 (recombinant DNA, human sequence) was analysed in this human VEGF ELISA kit.
The equation below can be used to convert the sample values obtained with this kit to approximate WHO/VEGF165/NIBSC 02/286 units:
WHO/NIBSC (02/286) reference (U/ml) = 0.0006 x BI-VEGF value (pg/ml).
Human VEGF ELISA Detection Limit & Sensitivity
To determine the sensitivity of the VEGF ELISA, experiments measuring the Lower Limit of Detection (LOD) and the Lower Limit of Quantification (LLOQ) were conducted.
The LOD, also called the detection limit, is the lowest point at which a signal can be distinguished from the background signal, i.e., the signal that is measured in the absence of VEGF, with a confidence level of 99%. It is defined as the mean back-calculated concentration of standard 1 (0 pg/ml of VEGF, five independent measurements) plus three times the standard deviation of the measurements.
The LLOQ, or sensitivity of an assay, is the lowest concentration at which an analyte can be accurately quantified. The criteria for accurate quantification at the LLOQ are an analyte recovery between 75% and 125% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 25%. To determine the LLOQ, standard 2, i.e., the lowest standards containing VEGF, is diluted, measured five times and its concentration back calculated. The lowest dilution, which meets both criteria, is reported as the LLOQ.
The following values were determined for the human VEGF ELISA:
LOD
2.5 pg/ml
LLOQ
15.6 pg/ml
Human VEGF ELISA Precision
The precision of an ELISA is defined as its ability to measure the same concentration consistently within the same experiments carried out by one operator (within-run precision or repeatability) and across several experiments using the same samples but conducted by several operators at different locations using different ELISA lots (in-between-run precision or reproducibility).
Within-Run Precision
Within-run precision was tested by measuring two samples of known concentrations three times within one VEGF ELISA lot by one operator.
ID
n
Mean VEGF [pg/ml]
SD [pg/ml]
CV (%)
Sample 1
3
67.8
1.8
3
Sample 2
3
491.5
9.2
2
In-Between-Run Precision
Within-run precision was tested by measuring two samples of known concentrations three times within different VEGF ELISA lots by different operators.
ID
n
Mean VEGF [pg/ml]
SD VEGF [pg/ml]
CV (%)
Sample 1
3
67.5
4.07
6
Sample 2
3
500.3
20.31
4
Human VEGF ELISA Accuracy
The accuracy of an ELISA is defined as the precision with which it can recover samples of known concentrations.
The recovery of the human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) ELISA was measured by adding recombinant human VEGF to samples containing a known concentration of endogenous VEGF. The %recovery of the spiked concentration was calculated as the percentage of measured over the expected value.
This table shows the summary of the recovery experiments in the VEGF ELISA in different sample matrices:
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
n
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
Mean
Range
Mean
Range
Serum
6
94
89 - 97
94
81 - 129
EDTA plasma
6
102
94 - 114
92
81 - 104
Citrate plasma
2
105
101- 110
92
92 - 92
+125 pg/ml
Cell culture supernatant
2
94
89 - 99
77
74 - 81
+1000 pg/ml
Urine
6
119
111 - 134
Show Individual Measurements
Data showing % recovery of recombinant VEGF in human serum samples:
Sample Matrix
ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Reference
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
Serum
S1
130
374
104
Serum
S2
971
1173
129
Serum
S3
414
685
566
96
82
Serum
S4
652
811
779
97
83
Serum
S5
164
529
350
89
82
Serum
S6
364
646
520
93
81
Mean
94
94
Data showing % recovery of recombinant VEGF in human EDTA plasma samples:
Sample Matrix
ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Reference
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
EDTA plasma
E1
95
532
303
97
88
EDTA plasma
E2
166
551
349
94
81
EDTA plasma
E3
48
514
258
98
87
EDTA plasma
E4
125
551
343
98
93
EDTA plasma
E5
40
580
280
112
98
EDTA plasma
E6
75
605
327
114
104
Mean
102
92
Data showing % recovery of recombinant VEGF in human citrate plasma samples:
Sample Matrix
ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Reference
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
+500 pg/ml
+250 pg/ml
Citrate plasma
C1
20
559
247
110
92
Citrate plasma
C2
50
529
275
101
92
Mean
105
92
Human VEGF ELISA Dilution Linearity & Parallelism
Tests of dilution linearity and parallelism ensure that both, endogenous and recombinant samples containing VEGF, behave in a dose-dependent manner and are not affected by matrix effects. Dilution linearity assesses the accuracy of measurements in diluted clinical samples spiked with known concentrations of recombinant analyte. By contrast, parallelism refers to dilution linearity in clinical samples and provides evidence that endogenous analyte behaves in the same way as the recombinant one /likewise to the recombinant analyte. Dilution linearity and parallelism are assessed for each sample type and should be within 20% of the expected concentration.
Dilution linearity was assessed by serially diluting human serum and plasma samples spiked with recombinant VEGF in assay buffer.
The figure and table below show the mean recovery and range of serially diluted recombinant VEGF in several sample matrices:
% Recovery of recombinant VEGF in diluted samples
Sample Matrix
n
1+1
1+3
1+7
Mean
Range
Mean
Range
Mean
Range
Serum
3
112
99 - 118
106
97- 110
100
88- 109
Plasma
2
96
84 - 108
93
83- 102
85
81 - 92
Citrate plasma
2
102
100 - 104
108
105- 111
100
97-103
Cell culture supernatant
2
103
100 - 106
98
96- 99
105
102-107
Urine
2
106
106 - 106
105
98- 113
-
-
Show Individual Measurements
Data showing dilution linearity of recombinant VEGF spiked into human serum and plasma samples (ref) containing endogenous VEGF.
Calculation of dilution linearity of spiked serum samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
ID
Ref +2000 pg/ml
ref
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
Serum
S1
1497
778
885
404
199
118
108
106
Serum
S2
1157
130
660
310
127
114
107
88
Serum
S3
1329
292
770
357
176
116
107
106
Serum
S4
1466
477
724
357
170
99
97
93
Serum
S5
1619
971
915
447
220
113
110
109
Mean R[%]
112
106
100
Calculation of dilution linearity of spiked EDTA plasma samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
ID
Ref +1000 pg/ml
ref
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
EDTA plasma
E1
580
40
244
148
67
84
102
92
EDTA plasma
E2
605
75
298
142
62
98
94
82
EDTA plasma
E3
659
122
282
137
67
86
83
81
EDTA plasma
E4
1298
133
702
303
132
108
93
81
EDTA plasma
E5
1265
57
653
297
139
103
94
88
Mean R[%]
96
93
85
Calculation of dilution linearity of spiked citrate plasma samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
ID
Ref +1000 pg/ml
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
Citrate plasma
C1
519
17
270
144
67
104
111
Citrate plasma
C2
560
55
279
148
68
100
105
Mean R[%]
102
108
100
Show Individual Measurements
Parallelism
Parallelism was assessed by serially diluting samples containing endogenous VEGF with assay buffer.
% Recovery of endogenous human VEGF in diluted samples
Sample
Matrix
n
1+1
1+3
1+7
Mean
Range
Mean
Range
Mean
Range
Serum
6
108
102 - 110
110
103 - 113
109
102 - 115
EDTA plasma
5
108
97 - 114
113
107 - 116
100
93 - 112
Citrate plasma
2
103
99 - 108
91
80 - 102
90
85 - 96
Cell culture supernatant
2
93
89 - 98
109
108 - 110
114
108 - 119
Urine
6
85
70 - 94
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d. : not determined
Show Individual Measurements
Data showing dilution linearity of endogenous VEGF in human serum samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample matrix
ID
Reference
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
Serum
s1
1153
643
337
159
112
117
110
Serum
s2
1002
521
282
144
104
113
115
Serum
s3
460
249
123
59
108
107
102
Serum
s4
845
465
227
114
110
108
108
Serum
s5
591
322
167
85
109
113
115
Serum
s6
559
285
144
73
102
103
104
Mean R[%]
108
110
109
Data showing dilution linearity of endogenous VEGF in human EDTA plasma samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
ID
Reference
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
EDTA plasma
e1
324
179
94
38
110
116
93
EDTA plasma
e2
739
420
213
104
114
115
112
EDTA plasma
e3
524
291
140
61
111
107
93
EDTA plasma
e4
55
26,4
11.5*
97
EDTA plasma
e5
983
532
274
123
108
111
100
EDTA plasma
e6
324
179
94
38
110
116
93
Mean R[%]
108
113
100
Data showing recovery of endogenous VEGF in human citrate plasma samples:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery
Sample Matrix
ID
Reference
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
Citrate plasma
c1
943
467
240
113
99
102
96
Citrate plasma
c2
198
106
40
21
108
80
85
Mean R[%]
103
91
90
VEGF ELISA Specificity
The specificity of an ELISA is defined as its ability to exclusively recognize the analyte of interest.
The specificity of the VEGF ELISA was shown by characterizing both the capture and the detection antibodies through epitope mapping. In addition, the specificity of the ELISA was established through competition experiments, which measure the ability of the antibodies to exclusively bind VEGF.
This assay recognizes recombinant and endogenous (natural) human VEGF including all circulating VEGF isoforms (incl. VEGF165b).
The Biomedica human VEGF ELISA detects all human VEGF isoforms that are found in circulation and that are not bound to the soluble decoy receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.
However, Neuropilin-1-bound VEGF forms can be quantified, if present. This is due to the binding properties of the employed antibodies. The recombinant anti-human VEGF capture antibody detects a structural epitope near the receptor binding site of the VEGF molecule and hinders the binding of soluble VEGFR1/2 receptors but does not affect the NRP1 epitope. Indeed, no interference at high NRP1 concentrations (10x higher than physiological levels) was observed.
Linear epitopes of the polyclonal anti-human VEGF detection antibody are concentrated within the N-terminal region of the VEGF protein.
As all VEGF isoforms posess conserved N-termini and both antibody epitopes fall within this region, all VEGF isoforms will be detected. This includes all circulating pro- and anti-angiogenic VEGF isoforms (incl. VEGF165b and VEGFAx).
Epitope Mapping
Antibodies were characterized by epitope mapping of linear epitopes with microarray technology and by the determination of binding kinetics with biolayer interferometry.
Capture Antibody: the peptide-specific recombinant capture antibody recognizes a structural epitope in the conserved receptor binding-site of VEGF and thus, specifically binds to all isoforms of VEGF.
Detection Antibody: Multiple linear epitopes recognized by the polyclonal detection antibody are concentrated in the first 120 amino acids of the VEGF molecule. The polyclonal detection antibody recognizes linear epitopes N-terminal of VEGF.
Microarray of detection antibody
High resolution epitope mapping of the polyclonal detection antibody on human VEGF-A.
The canonical sequence of VEGF-A (P15692-1) was printed as 15mers with an 14 amino acid overlap in duplicates on a glass chip. Green fluorescent signals on the microarray illustrate binding of the polyclonal detection antibody to VEGF and corresponds to its epitopes. Red fluorescent signals mark the position of control peptides. The polyclonal detection antibody recognizes linear epitopes N-terminal of VEGF.
Antibody epitopes on human VEGF-A molecule
3D structure of human VEGF-A dimer (V14-K107, pdb 1BJ1) with antibody epitopes. The recombinant capture antibody recognizes a structural epitope (purple) in the conserved receptor binding-site of VEGF-A (shown as dimer, dark and light grey) and thus, specifically binds to all bioactive isoforms of VEGF-A. Linear epitopes (blue) of the detection antibody are concentrated in the first 120 amino acids of the VEGF molecule.
Competition of Signal
Competition experiments were carried out by pre-incubating human samples containing endogenous VEGF with an excess of capture antibody (AB). The concentration measured in this mixture was then compared to a reference value, which was obtained from the same sample without the pre-incubation step. Mean competition in serum and plasma samples was 97%.
Show Individual Measurement
VEGF [pg/ml]
%
Competition
Sample Matrix
ID
Reference
Reference + capture AB
Serum
s1
694
48
93
Serum
s2
242
7
97
Serum
s3
90
0
100
Serum
s4
699
32
95
EDTA plasma
e1
186
0
100
EDTA plasma
e2
740
34
95
Citrate plasma
c1
15
0
100
Mean
97%
Isomer Forms
17 described (+ 15 computationally mapped) isoforms produced by alternative promoter usage, alternative splicing and alternative initiation with distinct biological activity.
There are 5 dominant isoforms (121, 145, 165, 189, 206). Of these VEGF 165 is the most common VEGF-A isoform.
The Biomedica human VEGF ELISA detects all human circulating VEGF that are not VEGF R1/R2 receptor-bound.
The low level of sequence homology between the different VEGF family members indicates that other VEGF family members e.g. VEGF-B / VEGF-C / VEGF-D, are not recognized using this ELISA.
CROSS REACTIVITY with non-human samples
This ELISA was tested in rat, mouse and porcine samples. According to our data the kit cannot be used for the detection of rat and mouse VEGF.
Porcine VEGF: The sequence homology of the capture antibody utilized in the kit (recombinant human VEGF antibody) to the porcine VEGF sequence is 100%.
The presence of endogenous VEGF signal was analyzed in pig samples; its specificity was determined with a competition experiment by pre-incubating porcine samples containing endogenous VEGF with an excess of capture antibody (AB). The concentration measured in this mixture was then compared to the reference value, obtained from the same sample without the pre-incubation step. The mean competition in porcine samples was 100% (see table below).
Sample matrix
Sample ID
OD
c (pg/ml)
R [%]
ref
comp
ref
comp
pig serum
P1
0.109
0.078
12.96
0.0
100
pig plasma
P2
0.135
0.095
32.43
0.0
100
Mean R [%]
100
Porcine sample values: 12 samples from healthy pigs measured with this assay showed a mean VEGF concentration of 33 pg/ml (range: 13 – 53 pg/ml).
Sample Stability
Serum, EDTA plasma, citrate plasma, cell culture supernatants, and urine samples are suitable for use in this assay. Do not change sample type during studies. We recommend duplicate measurements for all samples, standards and controls. The sample collection and storage conditions listed are intended as general guidelines.
Freeze-thaw Stability
The stability of endogenous Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was tested by comparing samples that had undergone five freeze-thaw cycles (F/T).
For freeze-thaw experiments, samples were collected according to the supplier’s instruction using blood collection devices and stored at -80°C. Reference samples were freeze-thawed once. The mean recovery of sample concentration after five freeze-thaw cycles is 97%.
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VEGF concentrations of samples after freeze-thaw (F/T) cycles:
VEGF [pg/ml]
% Recovery, referred to reference
Sample Matrix
ID
Reference
1x F/T
5x F/T
1x F/T
5x F/T
Serum
S1
402
382
355
95%
88%
Serum
S2
744
778
708
105%
95%
EDTA plasma
E1
499
523
518
105%
104%
EDTA plasma
E2
572
626
577
109%
101%
Mean
103%
97%
All samples should undergo a maximum of five freeze-thaw cycles.
Benchtop Stability
The benchtop stability of endogenous Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was tested by comparing VEGF measurements in human samples that had been stored at different temperatures.
For the assessment of the benchtop stability, a set of human samples was aliquoted and stored at room temperature or at 4°C. Samples can be stored for at least three hours at room temperature as well as overnight at 4°C. The mean recovery of sample concentrations after overnight storage at 4°C is 102%.
VEGF concentrations of samples stored at -25°C (reference), at room temperature (RT) or overnight (o.n.) at 4°C:
VEGF (pg/ml)
% Recovery, referred to reference
Sample matrix
ID
Reference
3h RT
oN 4°C
3h RT
oN 4°C
Serum
s1
389
411
423
99
103
Serum
S1
771
778
783
97
101
EDTA plasma
e1
727
827
119
n.d.
Citrate plasma
c1
175
187
85
n.d.
Mean
100
102
n.d.: not determined
Sample Values
VEGF Values in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Serum / Plasma: VEGF was measured in samples from apparently healthy donors (no medical histories were available).
VEGF [pg/ml]
Sample Matrix
n
Mean
Range
Median
% Detectable
Serum*
23
491
130-971
540
100%
EDTA plasma
23
103
47-149
111
100%
Citrate plasma
23
78
21-152
79
100%
It is recommended to establish the normal range for each laboratory.
*Platelets and leukocytes can release VEGF during blood clotting which is reflected in higher serum sample concentrations compared to plasma samples levels (Banks RE et al., , Gunsilius E et al.).
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Values in Disease Panels
In addition to samples of apparently healthy donors, panels of samples from patients with heart disease (cardiology panel), kidney diseases, as well as a panel of unselected hospital patients were tested.
VEGF values measured in apparently healthy subjects and patients with heart disease:
VEGF values measured in apparently healthy subjects and patients with kidney disease:
VEGF values measured in apparently healthy subjects and in an unselected hospital panel:
Summary of the results:
VEGF [pg/ml]
Samples
n
Mean
Range
Median
Controls -Serum
17
181
17-609
105
HD NHYA 3. 4.- Serum
22
268
82-881
210
Apparently healthy
EDTA plasma
22
66
29-164
59
Nephro Panel
EDTA plasma
32
287
63-1110
212
Apparently healthy
EDTA plasma
51
88
29-182
77
Unselected hospital panel EDTA plasma
18
628
45-1878
486
Apparently healthy
Citrate plasma
33
66
21-152
62
Unselected hospital panel Citrate plasma
12
302
37-1054
302
Matrix Comparison
To assess whether all tested matrices behave the same way Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was measured in serum, EDTA, and citrate plasma samples prepared from 23 apparently healthy donors.
Each individual donated blood in all tested sample matrices.
VEGF [pg/ml]
Sample Matrix
n
Mean
Range
Median
% Detectable
Serum
23
491
130-971
540
100%
EDTA plasma
23
103
47-149
111
100%
Citrate plasma
23
78
21-152
79
100%
Measurment of human VEGF in Urine samples - Performance check:
Urine
Aseptically collect the first urine of the day (mid-stream), voided directly into a sterile container. Centrifuge to remove particles, assay immediately or aliquot and store at -25°C or lower.
Sample Matrix Urine*
VEGF [pg/ml]
Donor 1. Apparently healthy
171
Donor 2. Apparently healthy
267
Donor 3. Apparently healthy
158
Donor 4. Kidney disease
372
Donor 5. Kidney disease
265
Donor 6. Kidney disease
312
Donor 7. Kidney disease
343
Urine samples were not normalized to creatinine values.
Acccuracy
Data showing % recovery of recombinant VEGF in human urine samples:
Sample Matrix
ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
Reference
+1000 pg/ml
% Recovery
Urine
U1
372
1355
117%
Urine
U2
265
1272
114%
Urine
U3
312
1348
119%
Urine
U4
343
1359
119%
Urine
U5
171
1425
134%
Urine
U6
267
1246
111%
Mean R [%]
119%
Dilution linearity, parallelism
Data showing dilution linearity of recombinant VEGF in human urine samples:
Sample ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
R [%]
ref
1+1
1+3
1+1
1+3
U1
1219
646
298
106%
98%
U2
1129
596
319
106%
113%
Mean R [%]
106%
105%
Data showing dilution linearity of endogenous VEGF in human urine samples:
Sample ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
R [%]
0
1+1
U1
372
175
94%
U2
265
116
87%
U3
312
109
70%
U4
343
141
82%
U5
171
78
91%
U6
267
112
84%
Mean R [%]
85%
Competition experiments were carried out by pre-incubating human urine samples containing endogenous VEGF with an excess of capture antibody (AB).
The concentration measured in this mixture was then compared to a reference value, which was obtained from the same sample without the pre-incubation step.
Mean competition in serum and plasma samples was 99%.
Competition of endogenous signal:
Sample ID
VEGF [pg/ml]
R [%]
0
+AB
U1
372
0
100%
U2
265
0
100%
U3
312
13.6
96%
U4
343
3.9
99%
U5
171
0
100%
U6
267
0
100%
Mean R [%]
99%
Measurment of human VEGF in Cell Culture Supernatants - Performance check:
Cell Culture Supernatants (CCS):
Two human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and a human macrophage cell line 4TL9.R were cultured in DMEM/Ham ´ s F12 and RPMI, respectively and supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum and 1 % penicillin/streptomycin. Cells were grown in a humidified atmosphere of 95 % air and 5 % CO2 for 48 hours. Aliquots of the cell culture supernatants were removed, centrifuged to remove particles, and assayed for levels of human VEGF.
Sample Matrix CCS
VEGF [pg/ml]
CCS - MDA-MB-231
150
CCS - MCF-7
699
CCS - 4TL9.R
788
DM-F-12 (with supplements)
0
RPMI (with supplements)
0
Accuracy
Recombinant VEGF was spiked into samples by using STD7 (1000pg/ml). Two concentration levels were generated. 500pg/ml spike is a sample:STD7 volume ratio of 1+1. 125pg/ml spike is a sample:STD7 volume ratio of 7+1. Samples were assayed in duplicates.
CCS
ID
VEGF (pg/ml)
R [%]
0
500
125
500
125
MDA-MB-231
CCS#1
150
570
232
99%
81%
MCF-7
CCS#2
699
793
703
89%
74%
Mean R [%]
94%
77%
Dilution linearity
Dilution linearity of recombinant analyte of cell culture supernatants.
Samples were spiked with STD 7 (1000pg/ml, +500pg/ml) and diluted with dilution medium (ASYBUF).
CCS
ID
VEGF (pg/ml)
% recovery
ref spike
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
MDA-MB- 231
CCS#1
570
286
137
73
100%
96%
102%
MCF- 7
CCS#2
793
421
196
108
106%
99%
109%
Mean R [%]
103%
98%
105%
Dilution linearity of endogenous analyte was tested in conditioned media (48h) of MCF7 and MDA 231 cell lines. Dilution medium is assay buffer .
CCS
ID
VEGF (pg/ml)
% recovery
ref
1+1
1+3
1+7
1+1
1+3
1+7
MDA-MB- 231
CCS#1
150
66
41
22
89%
110%
119%
MCF-7
CCS#2
699
344
189
94
98%
108%
108%
Mean R [%]
93%
109%
114%
Competition of VEGF in cell culture supernatants
Competition experiments were carried out by pre-incubating human cell culture supernatnant samples containing endogenous VEGF with an excess of capture antibody (AB). The concentration measured in this mixture was then compared to a reference value, which was obtained from the same sample without the pre-incubation step. Mean competition in serum and plasma samples was 93%.
Calculated according to calibration curve prepared from ELISA s standards
CCS
ID
VEGF (pg/ml)
R [%]
0
+ CAB
500
MDA-MB- 231
CCS#1
150
15
90%
MCF- 7
CCS#2
699
23
97%
Mean R [%]
93%
Comparison with other human VEGF ELISA assays
Assay characteristics of two different human VEGF ELISA assays
(measurable concentrations in serum AND plasma samples!)
MDD: 5 pg/ml
Specificity
Assay recognizes recombinant and endogenous (natural) human VEGF including all circulating VEGF isoforms (incl. VEGF165b).
Assay recognizes natural and recombinant human VEGF. This assay also recognizes recombinant human VEGF165b
Antibodies
Epitope-mapped antibodies:
Capture antibody: recombinant VEGF antibody specific for human VEGF
Detection antibody: Polyclonal VEGF antibody specific for human VEGF, streptavidin-HRPO -labeled
Capture antibody: monoclonal antibody specific for human VEGF
Detection antibody: polyclonal VEGF antibody specific for human VEGF, HRPO-labeled
Standard Matrix
Serum based matrix containing recombinant VEGF165
8 ready to use standards, lyophilized
Protein based matrix containing recombinant VEGF165
1 stock standard, lyophilized
Values of apparently healthy samples
Serum median (n=23): 491 pg/ml
100 % detectable
EDTA-plasma mean (n=23): 103 pg/ml
100 % detectable
Serum median (n=37): 220 pg/ml
100 % detectable
EDTA-plasma mean (n=37): 61 pg/ml
24 % detectable
Controls
2 controls (high and low) included
not included
Validation
According to FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines
not indicated
Use
RUO
RUO
Comparison of human sample concentrations measured with different human VEGF ELISA Assays
The Biomedica VEGF ELISA (Cat. No. BI-VEGF) was compared with an ELISA kit from another manufacturer. The same panel of samples, consisting of 46 samples (healthy and diseased), was tested.
Correlation of VEGF values measured with two human VEGF ELISA assays - Biomedica versus another manufacturer in 46 serum and plasma samples (healthy + diseased)
Pearson coefficient
0.979
P value
0.00001
P value summary
****
Conclusion - Comparison between two assays
Apparently healthy EDTA plasma samples (n=12) with the Biomedica ELISA are approximately 2-2.5 x higher than in other assay.
Apparently healthy serum samples (n=8) with the Biomedica ELISA are approximately 1.5 x higher than in other assay.
Excellent correlation for human serum and plasma samples (healthy and diseased) : Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.979, p < 0.00001
Cell culture supernatants (n=2): Biomedica and other assay show nearly identical pg/ml concentrations (read-out Biomedica standard curve with standard curve-cell culture from the other manufacturer- following instuctions for use)
Concentrations obtained in both kits were converted to approximate NIBSC/WHO 02/286 units. Their comparison shows that Biomedica human VEGF values (U/ml) are approximately 0.5 fold higher for serum samples and 0.7 - 0.8 higher fold for EDTA plasma samples- when compared with other assay.
Show Individual Measurements
Table showing human VEGF concentrations measured with the Biomedica human VEGF ELISA and a human VEGF ELISA assay from another manufacturer:
ALL SAMPLES
n = 46
Sample ID
Biomedica
(BI-VEGF)
Other
Cohorts:
VEGF pg/ml
VEGF pg/ml
Apparently healthy (AH) samples
AH s1
368
333
AH s2
723
413
AH s3
236
185
AH s4
836
541
AH s5
360
297
AH s6
265
230
AH s7
263
190
AH s8
371
331
AH ep9
83
37
AH ep10
84
35
AH ep11
76
33
AH ep12
74
36
AH ep13
48
19
AH ep14
97
45
AH ep15
98
36
AH ep16
74
41
AH ep17
42
13
AH ep18
126
58
AH ep19
34
14
AH ep20
180
71
AH cp21
42
17
AH cp22
43
14
AH cp23
34
9
AH cp24
35
15
Unspecific hospital panel (UHP) samples
UHP ep25
466
229
UHP ep26
291
147
UHP ep27
700
336
UHP ep28
411
185
UHP ep29
417
171
UHP ep30
181
86
UHP ep31
1737
977
UHP cp32
319
173
UHP cp33
381
197
UHP cp34
259
115
UHP s35
441
294
UHP s36
1368
760
UHP s37
1862
1007
UHP s38
208
44
Nephrology
(N)
samples
N ep39
107
32
N ep40
311
115
N ep41
323
123
N ep42
154
53
N ep43
396
132
N ep44
282
108
N ep45
266
105
N ep46
522
252
Pearson
0.979
p value
< 0.00001
s: serum
ep: EDTA plasma
cp: citrate plasma
Comparison of cell culture supernatant sample concentrations in human breast cancer cell lines measured with different human VEGF ELISA Assays
The Biomedica VEGF ELISA (Cat. No. BI-VEGF) was compared with an ELISA kit from another manufacturer.
Table showing human VEGF concentrations measured with the Biomedica human VEGF ELISA and a humanVEGF ELISA assay from another manufacturer: