Fiber-Optic Bead Methods

The avidin-biotin interaction has also been used to immobilize antibodies and proteins, especially in commercial systems based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements (e.g., the BIAcore). The extraordinary affinity (Kl 10-15 M) of avidin (or its bacterial relative, streptavidin) for the vitamin biotin is the basis of this immobilization procedure. A solid support (e.g., glass beads, sensor chip, optical fiber) covered with avidin can be used as an activated carrier for a very sturdy immobilization of previously biotinylated antibodies. In spite of the many methods for biotinylating proteins described in the literature, the use of biotinyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (BNHS) and similar derivatives, remains the most useful [65]. 

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