SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CATIONIC LATEX-PARTICLES BEARING SULFHYDRYL-GROUPS AND THEIR USE IN THE IMMOBILIZATION OF FAB ANTIBODY FRAGMENTS .1.

Emulsion copolymerization of styrene and a cationic monomer vinylbenzy l-isothiouronium chloride (VBIC) with initiation by 2,2' azobis(2-amid inopropane)-dihydrochloride (V-50) gave monodisperse latex particles. After post-stabilization with cationic or non-ionic surfactants, the c olloids were diluted in basic buffers with concomitant deprotection of the sulfhydryl groups. Therefore, coupling reactions on the latex bea ds were possible. Coupling conditions were determined with Ellman's re agent. C-14 iodoacetamide and anti C-reactive protein antibody Fab fra gments were immobilized and finally, the immunological activity of the sensitized latex was assessed.