Target group specificity

Figure 20. Selective cell targeting via specific monoclonal antibodies and/or antibody fragments directed against cancer cells and linked to the free amino groups of L-cysteine-coated metallic-core magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) (MNP = Co, Fe/Co, size 8-10 nm).

Figure 7.22 Fluorescent dyes such as an amine-reactive Cy5 derivative can be coupled to amine-dendrimers at relatively high substitution levels to create intensely fluorescent detection agents. If the dendrimer also is deriva-tized to contain an affinity group or a targeting group then specific fluorescent detection at high sensitivity can be realized.

The hydrazide derivative of AMCA can be used to modify aldehyde- or ketone-containing molecules, including cytosine residues using the bisulfite activation procedure described in Chapter 27, Section 2.1. AMCA-hydrazide reacts with these target groups to form hydrazone bonds (Figure 9.26). Carbohydrates and glycoconjugates can be labeled specifically at their polysaccharide portion if the required aldehydes are first formed by periodate oxidation or another such method (Chapter 1, Section 4.4). 

Aromas and dyes are quoted in only exceptional cases, because they depend strongly on the taste of the target group concerned and are often specific for a particular country. They can be included in the formulations if this is wished. 

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