Antibodies form the most fundamental unit of the human immune system. They are proteins that fight against foreign agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Vaccines cause the production of antibodies against specific diseases in the body. Antisera are prepared by inoculating animals with certain antigens. When this is done, the animal produces antibodies against these antigens. The antibody secretion is collected as antisera. Antibodies and antiserum form the basis of the immunodiagnostics and immunotherapeutic industry.
However, it has not been possible to develop antibodies very extensively because of their stability issues. Antibodies lose their function if not handled carefully and gently. They are stable only in controlled environments with cold temperature. Due to this it has not been possible to use antibodies for non-medical research. Since antibodies are made of proteins, antibody stabilization basically involves aiming for protein stability.
Stabilized antibodies can have potential applications in the field of:
Forensic analysis Chemical purification tools Chemical sensors Explosive sensors Chemical synthesis pathway control and modulation Bioremediation devices Antibody chip technology Pre-vaccination against new diseases
New applications in several other industries are also possible. In addition to the development of immunotherapeutic and immunodiagnostic industry, stabilized antibodies can give rise to business opportunities in non-medical fields also. The potential of antibodies has not been used completely because of the stability issues associated with it. They are only moderately stable and lose their function if structural changes take place. Thus, protein stabilization is important.
Scientists are researching ways of stabilizing the amino acids that make up the antibodies. They have been able to achieve antibodies that are 100,000 times more stable than the normal antibodies. If better results are achieved it will become possible to use antibodies for other applications as well such as environmental remediation, biosensors and diagnostic reagents.
Article by Nadia at INTER-DEV SEO Company on behalf of Docoop Drug delivery systems
