An overview and comparison of a recombinant antigen-binding fragment and an antigen-binding fragment from a monoclonal antibody against wogonin glucuronide

Wogonin glucuronide (wogonin 7-O-β-d-glucuronide, Wgn) is widely recognized as a constituent of Scutellariae radix, which is used in Kampo medicines. Wgn has been used for both pharmacological (antifebrile uses and in detoxification) and research purposes. A recombinant antigen-binding fragment (rFab) and an antigen-binding fragment from a monoclonal antibody (mFab) against Wgn were constructed and used in an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) in this study. The rFab and mFab against Wgn showed both activity and recognition against Wgn. The developed icELISA was validated as a quantitative analytical method to detect Wgn by testing both its utility and its reliability using multiple concentrations of Wgn from S. radix. This approach provides a more economic method to analyze and purify Kampo medicines.