OPTIMIZATION OF PROTEIN CONJUGATION USING AN ALDEHYDE DERIVATIZED BIFUNCTIONAL CHELATING AGENT

The covalent attachment of the bifunctional chelating agent nobenzyl)- 1,3-propanediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid to proteins through a ne w linking arm containing an aldehyde function for the purpose of label ing proteins and monoclonal antibodies with radiometals was studied. T he number of protein-bound chelating groups was measured by various te chniques after labeling the conjugate with In-111. The effect of vario us parameters such as aldehyde-chelate concentration, pH, temperature, protein concentration and concentration of sodium cyanoborohydride on the rate and extent of protein conjugation have been examined.