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 vinylbenzyl-isothiouronium chloride (VBIC) with initiation by 2,2' azobis(2-amidinopropane)-dihydrochloride (V-50) gave monodisperse latex particles. After post-stabilization with cationic or non-ionic surfactants, the colloids were diluted in basic buffers with concomitant deprotection of the sulfhydryl groups. Therefore, coupling reactions on the latex beads were possible. Coupling conditions were determined with Ellman's reagent. C-14 iodoacetamide and anti C-reactive protein antibody Fab fragments were immobilized and finally, the immunological activity of the sensitized latex was assessed.