Senior staff at BIOMOL are recognised as being amongst the longest standing and most practiced exponents of the synthetic peptide approach to antibody production worldwide. We have many years experience of, and proprietary expertise in: Project planning Antigen selection and synthesis Immunogen preparation Immunisation and antibody characterisation Antibody Production.  All too often, antiserum production is undertaken by researchers and contract organisations with seemingly little thought being given to overall project structure with the consequent widely varying success rates. Peptides for use in antibody production should be chosen wisely:  Peptide choice may be based on a combination of predictive methods and guesswork but it should at least be inspired!  BIOMOL scientists will assist. Some factors to consider:   Design peptides for the specific purpose intended: As the molecule is to be synthesised why not build in the elements required? For example, if being used for antibody production, consider the method of peptide-carrier conjugation to be used prior to synthesis, design accordingly, and optimise the chances of subsequent success. BIOMOL will advise Start with a defined peptide: The widely quoted phrase “immunological grade peptides” should be interpreted warily, often describing products of ill-defined integrity. Why start any project with an unknown entity? All peptides, for whatever purpose, should be analysed both chromatographically and mass spectrometrically to assure a high degree of chemical integrity. Detailed analysis is standard for all products from BIOMOL.   Peptide conjugation is chemistry not alchemy: Conjugation of peptides to carrier proteins is necessary in order to obtain a high level of immune response. A well-designed and prepared conjugate is more likely to produce a desired result. BIOMOL offers a variety of tried and tested procedures.   Species for immunisation: Rabbits are often first choice for polyclonal antibody production but others may also be considered. Sheep have advantages for many users, chickens for others. BIOMOL offers a range of species.   Prepare immunogens correctly: The single most common reason for poor antiserum production lies in incorrect preparation of an antigen emulsion prior to immunisation. BIOMOL does it correctly.   Immunisation programs should not be rushed: Whilst everyone wants the best antibodies in the shortest possible time, the immune response is a natural phenomenon and follows a well-recognised time-course. Peptide-reactive antisera are seldom the goal. Protein-reactive IgG antibodies arise and peak later in an immunisation schedule. BIOMOL uses an optimised protocol that routinely provides success.   Screen throughout an immunisation program: By screening in an appropriate system for the desired reactivity, programs can be modified accordingly with consequent benefit. BIOMOL provides test samples throughout a program for Client screening and report.   Guaranteed success: A complete myth!  NOBODY can offer this; however, with a little planning and careful execution the chances of a successful outcome are greatly enhanced.   Antibody Purification.  A crude polyclonal antiserum (or monoclonal antibody) should only be purified where it proves to be necessary otherwise one risks compromising the integrity of the antibody for little, if any, benefit. Criteria for purification include high non-specific staining, multiple bands on Western blots and low signal strength.  BIOMOL applies a number of approaches to antibody purification which have been optimised over time and which have been demonstrated to result in significant improvements in signal selectivity.  BIOMOL offers the following purification procedures: Caprylic acid precipitation for removal of bulk of extraneous serum proteins such as albumins Ammonium sulphate precipitation, to provide immunoglobulin enriched fractions Affinity chromatography using immobilised Proteins A, G or L Design and application of peptide (and protein) immunoaffinity chromatography Antibody Characterisation.  BIOMOL has the capability of assisting with antibody characterisation using a variety of techniques including: ELISA Western blotting Immunoprecipitation Immunohistochemistry Additionally, BIOMOL offers a full antibody modification and derivatisation service. Whether you require Fab, Fab’, F(ab’)2 fragments, immobilisation of the antibody onto a solid support, or conjugation to an enzyme, chromophore, fluorophore, or a magnetic or electron-dense particle, we shall be happy to advise accordingly.  Our Technical Support staff will be happy to discuss your needs in detail without obligation and in total commercial confidence.