Formulation & Dispensing Services

Immunogen preparation involves the process of preparing conjugates of the desired antigen to a carrier protein such as BSA or KLH to elicit an immune response. It's critical for generating specific antibodies for use in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications. This process ensures that the immune system can recognise and respond to the desired targets effectively.

To ensure a molecule is immunogenic, it may be necessary to modify it to enhance its immune-stimulating properties. This can include conjugating the molecule to a carrier protein, such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), which can help to increase its size and immunogenicity.

Various molecules, including proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and small molecules, can serve as immunogens. However, generating antibodies becomes increasingly challenging as the size of the molecule decreases. The selection of an immunogen depends on the specific immune response desired and the particular application for which the antibodies are being developed.

Choosing the right protein purification strategy involves considering factors such as the nature and stability of the protein, the complexity of the sample, and the intended use of the purified protein. Often, a combination of techniques is employed to achieve the desired purity and yield.

Yes, protein purification can be scaled up for industrial purposes. This involves optimising and adapting laboratory-scale purification protocols to large-scale operations, ensuring that the process remains cost-effective, efficient, and consistent in yielding high-quality protein.

Common techniques for protein purification include chromatography (such as affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography), centrifugation, electrophoresis, and precipitation. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on the properties of the protein of interest and the desired purity level.

Protein purification is the process of isolating a specific protein from a complex mixture. This process is crucial in biochemistry, molecular biology, and for the biotech industry. It involves various techniques that separate proteins based on differences in their physical and chemical properties.

Yes, we specialise in customising formulations to meet specific customer requirements. This involves adjusting the composition, concentration, and physical properties of the formulation to achieve the desired performance and stability.

Formulation and dispensing services involve the processes of designing and preparing precise chemical or biological mixtures, and accurately dispensing them into specified containers or systems. These services are essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and food processing, where precise ingredient mixtures and dosages are critical.

The most commonly used enzymes for antibody digestion are: papain, which cleaves above the hinge region to produce Fab fragments; pepsin, which cleaves below the hinge region to produce F(ab')2 fragments; and ficin, which has similar activity to papain but can be more specific under certain conditions. The choice of enzyme depends on the desired antibody fragment and application.

Digested antibody fragments are used in a variety of applications. Fab fragments are ideal for therapeutic uses where minimal immune response is desired, such as in immune checkpoint therapies. F(ab')2 fragments are used in diagnostic kits for reduced cross-reactivity. Both fragments are also utilised in biomedical research for probing antigen-antibody interactions without the interference of Fc-mediated activities.

Factors influencing the efficiency of antibody digestion include the concentration and specificity of the enzyme, the buffer composition and pH, the incubation temperature, and the duration of the reaction. Optimising these conditions is crucial for achieving complete digestion and the desired antibody fragments. The antibody isotype also has a big effect on the ability to successfully carry out the digestion.

Antibody digestion involves the enzymatic cleavage of antibodies into smaller, functional fragments, such as Fab, F(ab')2, and Fab' fragments. This process is crucial for applications requiring reduced antibody size for better tissue penetration, decreased effector function, or specific binding without cross-linking, such as in diagnostic assays, therapeutic applications, and research studies.

The turnaround time for requests varies based on their complexity. For simple conjugation requests that require minimal development, we typically ship within two to three days after receipt of materials. For more comprehensive development projects, the timeline can vary significantly, depending on the degree of customisation and optimisation required by the client.

We meticulously control and document reaction variables to guarantee consistency for every repeat order of your developed material, ensuring it is produced identically each time. Additionally, we perform detailed measurements and assays on your materials throughout the process to completion. This proactive approach allows us to detect any discrepancies early, ensuring the quality and integrity of the final product.

We can accommodate all types of conjugation you may require. Below is an overview of some of the most commonly requested services. -Enzyme conjugates -Biotin & streptavidin conjugates -Biotherapeutics & Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC) -Microparticle & nanoparticle conjugates -Oligonucleotide conjugates -Fluorescent dye or protein conjugates -Antibody and antibody fragment conjugates -Immunogen preparation

Bioconjugation plays a crucial role in biotechnology due to its ability to create novel molecules with enhanced functionalities. These molecules are used in the development of improved diagnostics, to create innovative therapies or develop other new exciting intellectual property.

Bioconjugation is the process of chemically linking two different molecules — one of biological origin — to create a single molecule that embodies the combined properties of both constituents.

Absolutely! We are committed to providing a comprehensive breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, enabling you to make well-informed decisions.

Producing enzyme conjugates involves challenges such as maintaining high conjugation efficiency, ensuring the purity of the conjugate, and achieving scalability. Each step requires precise control to ensure the final product meets stringent performance criteria.

Enzyme conjugates offer numerous benefits in research, including the ability to precisely track biological processes, label specific proteins for easy detection, and visualise cellular components in complex biological environments, enhancing the depth and accuracy of scientific studies.

Common enzymes used in conjugation include horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). These enzymes are favoured for their stability, high catalytic activity, and the ease with which they can be detected in various assay formats.

Enzyme conjugates significantly enhance diagnostic tests by improving the sensitivity and specificity of assays. When linked to antibodies, these conjugates can provide visual or measurable signals at low analyte concentrations, facilitating early and accurate diagnosis.

Enzyme conjugates are molecules where an enzyme is chemically linked to another molecule, such as an antibody, protein, or small molecule. They are widely used in biomedical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications, enabling targeted delivery and enhanced detection in various assays.

Yes, enzyme conjugates are being explored for use in targeted drug delivery systems. They can be engineered to activate prodrugs at specific sites in the body or to release therapeutic agents directly at target cells, minimising systemic exposure and side effects.

When handling biotin-streptavidin conjugates, it is important to avoid conditions that might disrupt the biotin-streptavidin interaction, such as extreme pH or high temperatures. Proper storage and handling are crucial to maintain the stability and functionality of these conjugates.

While biotin-streptavidin conjugation is highly effective, it may not be suitable for all applications due to the high binding affinity, which can make dissociation difficult without denaturing conditions. Additionally, the cost of pure streptavidin can be a consideration for large-scale applications.

We customise biotin-streptavidin conjugation services based on the specific needs of our clients by selecting appropriate conjugation ratios, optimising the conjugation process for specific biomolecules, and tailoring the purification processes to ensure the highest activity and purity levels necessary for the intended application.

A wide range of biomolecules can be conjugated using biotin and streptavidin, including antibodies, peptides, nucleic acids, and even small molecules. The versatility of this conjugation method allows it to be adapted for various molecular weights and sizes, providing flexibility in biochemical and clinical research.

Biotin-streptavidin conjugation is a powerful and widely used method in biotechnology for forming strong, non-covalent bonds between biotin (a small molecule also known as vitamin B7) and streptavidin (a protein with high affinity for biotin). This conjugation technique is commonly used in molecular biology for applications such as immunoassays, cell targeting, and biomolecule purification, due to its unparalleled binding strength.

In diagnostics and research, biotin-streptavidin conjugation is used for enhancing signal detection in ELISA tests, facilitating efficient biomolecule separation in affinity chromatography, and improving the accuracy of molecular imaging techniques. Its ability to strongly and specifically bind components makes it essential for developing precise diagnostic tools.

Biotin-streptavidin conjugation offers unmatched specificity and binding strength, which makes it ideal for applications requiring a stable and robust linkage. This method minimises background noise in assays and increases the reliability of experimental results, making it superior for sensitive biological applications.

Peptide conjugates involve linking peptides with other molecules, such as drugs, imaging agents, or other bioactive compounds. This conjugation can enhance the properties of peptides, by increasing stability, improving bioavailability, or targeting specific cells or tissues. They are widely used in therapeutic applications, including hormone therapies, cancer treatments, and vaccines, where targeting and efficiency are crucial.

The key components of an ADC include the antibody, the linker, and the cytotoxic drug. The antibody is chosen based on its ability to specifically target and bind to cancer cell antigens. The linker, which attaches the drug to the antibody, is designed to be stable in the bloodstream, however a multitude of different options exist for how it releases the drug. The cytotoxic drug itself is selected for its ability to effectively kill cancer cells once released.

ADCs are significant because they provide a targeted approach to cancer treatment, which leads to fewer side effects compared with conventional chemotherapy. By delivering toxins directly to tumour cells, ADCs maximise the cancer-killing effect while sparing healthy tissues, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced toxicity.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced delivery systems used primarily for the delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA and siRNA, in genetic therapies. LNPs protect the genetic material from degradation, facilitate their uptake into cells, and ensure their release into the cytoplasm. This technology has been pivotal in the development of mRNA vaccines, showcasing its effectiveness in enhancing delivery and ensuring the stability of genetic therapies.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted cancer therapies that combine the specific targeting capabilities of antibodies with the cancer-killing ability of cytotoxic drugs. ADCs work by selectively binding to cancer cell-specific antigens and delivering potent anti-cancer agents directly into the cancer cells, thereby minimising the impact on normal cells.

We customise nanoparticle conjugation based on the client's specific needs by selecting the appropriate type and size of nanoparticles, choosing the best conjugation chemistry for the intended application, and adjusting the loading capacity to balance functionality with stability.

Magnetic particles are used in various biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, magnetic separation processes for cell sorting or biomolecule purification, and targeted drug delivery systems where they can be directed to specific body sites using magnetic fields.

Gold nanoparticles are favoured for their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of modification. In therapeutics, they are used for photothermal therapy, where they convert light into heat to destroy target cells. In diagnostics, their optical properties enhance visual detection and precision in assays like lateral flow tests.

Latex particles are particularly valued in diagnostic assays and research due to their uniform size, high stability, and ease of functionalisation. They are commonly used in agglutination tests, where their visible clumping can indicate the presence of specific antigens or antibodies, providing rapid and easy-to-read results.

Microparticle and nanoparticle conjugation services involve chemically attaching biomolecules such as drugs, proteins, or DNA to microparticles or nanoparticles such as magnetic particles, latex beads, or gold nanoparticles. These conjugated particles are widely used in diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, imaging, and as research tools in cellular and molecular studies.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) play a crucial role in drug delivery systems, particularly for delivering genetic material such as mRNA or siRNA. LNPs protect the nucleic acids from degradation, enhance cellular uptake, and ensure efficient release into the cytoplasm, significantly improving the efficacy of genetic therapies.

Oligonucleotide conjugates involve the chemical linkage of oligonucleotides — such as single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and aptamers — with various molecules like drugs, fluorophores, or other biomolecules. These conjugates are used in research for gene regulation, as probes in diagnostic assays, and in therapeutic applications like targeted drug delivery and gene therapy.

Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides or peptides that can bind to specific molecular targets with high affinity and specificity. They are significant in biotechnology for their role as highly versatile binding agents that can be used in therapeutic targeting, diagnostic applications, and as biosensors, owing to their stability, low immunogenicity, and ease of synthesis.

Double-stranded DNA conjugates are used in therapeutic applications primarily for gene delivery and gene editing. By conjugating dsDNA with targeting ligands or other functional groups, they can be directed to specific cells or tissues, enhancing the efficacy of gene therapy strategies by ensuring precise DNA delivery.

Single-stranded DNA conjugates are particularly advantageous in molecular diagnostics due to their ability to hybridise specifically with complementary DNA or RNA sequences. This property makes them ideal for use in sensitive and specific assays, such as in situ hybridisation or molecular beacons for detecting genetic markers.

The synthesis of oligonucleotide conjugates presents challenges such as ensuring the specificity of conjugation and maintaining the stability and bioactivity of the oligonucleotides. These challenges are addressed through advanced synthesis techniques and rigorous purification processes.

Yes, fluorescent conjugates are used in clinical diagnostics to detect and quantify specific biomarkers within biological samples. Their high sensitivity and specificity make them invaluable in assays such as immunofluorescence staining, where they help in the early detection and diagnosis of diseases by highlighting specific cells or tissues.

Fluorescent conjugates consist of fluorescent molecules — either small molecule dyes or proteins — that are chemically linked to other biomolecules such as antibodies, peptides, or nucleic acids. These conjugates are extensively used in a variety of scientific applications, including microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular diagnostics, to visualise and track biological processes with high specificity and sensitivity.

We customise fluorescent conjugates based on specific customer needs by selecting appropriate fluorophores and biomolecules, tailoring the dye-to-protein ratio, and adjusting the conjugation method to suit the intended application, whether it's high-resolution imaging, quantitative flow cytometry, or sensitive diagnostic tests.

Fluorescent conjugates contribute significantly to advancements in cell biology by enabling researchers to visualise cellular components and processes with unprecedented clarity and specificity. In medical imaging, these conjugates are improving the ability to diagnose diseases early and monitor therapeutic responses by providing detailed visualisations of tissue structures and biological markers.

Fluorescent proteins are generally brighter and more stable than their small molecule counter parts. However they are also substantially larger, making them impractical for some applications.

Challenges in conjugating fluorescent molecules include maintaining the activity and fluorescence of the label, avoiding quenching, and ensuring that the conjugate binds specifically without affecting the biological function of the target molecule. These are addressed by optimising the conjugation chemistry.