THE ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS

The adsorption characteristics of immunoglobulins on different types o f surfaces are examined. The analysis includes surfaces for adsorption , monolayer adsorption, thermodynamics, parameters that influence adso rption, and models that incorporate structural rearrangements (heterog eneity) either in the immunoglobulins or in the surface sites. Special attention is paid to determining factors such as ionic strength, pH, isoelectric point and solubility of immunoglobulins, and type of adsor bent. The role played by the hydrophobic and electrostatic forces in t he adsorption processes is discussed, and the electrokinetic behavior and colloidal stability of the complexes is analyzed. Some techniques that help provide estimates of the qualitative nature of immunoglobuli n adsorption, such as ellipsometry, total internal reflection fluoresc ence, quasielastic light scattering, surface force microscopy, and sca nning probe microscope, are presented. Finally the uses and applicatio ns of immunoglobulin adsorption are also considered briefly.