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Biotinylation of Antibodies and Antigens

Antibodies bind specifically to the antigens that induce their production. This specificity is an advantage when identifying and quantifying proteins in an unknown sample mixture. This is the basis for immunoassays such as Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).  In some cases, structural similarities between proteins and interference from diluent ingredients can lead to nonspecific binding resulting in high background and false-positive signals. This is a very common problem with polyclonal antibodies and in multiplexed assays.

Biotin and streptavidin offer solutions for improving specificity and reducing background without disrupting the normal biological function of the proteins.   Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin that covalently binds to and stabilizes proteins in a biological system. Due to its small molecular weight and simple chemical structure biotin conjugation does not affect the biological function of bound proteins.

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Flow Cytometry: A Vital Tool for Evaluating Vaccine Effectiveness

Flow cytometry uses light scattering, light excitation and emission of fluorochrome molecules to gather detailed information about specific cells or particles of interest. Using antibody-fluorophore conjugates flow cytometry allows researchers to draw phenotype-dependent conclusions about cellular phenotype and function.  The fluorophores present on bound antibodies excited by lasers yield detailed…

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Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

Hybridoma Technology: Production of Monoclonal Antibodies  History Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are monovalent (one epitope) antibodies derived from clones of a single parental immune cell. The original method for producing monoclonal antibodies is found in hybridoma technology. Prior to the production of monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies (multiple epitopes, multiple parental cells)…

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Alhydrogel Interference in Immunoassays

Troubleshooting immunoassays for adjuvanted vaccine products The safety record, affordability, and compatibility of aluminum to many antigens makes them a primary choice of adjuvant. Aluminum adjuvant compounds (such as aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and aluminum phosphate (AlPO4)) help maintain the physical and chemical characteristics of antigens and increase their repository effect…

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