Summary

This book summarises known data and the results of the authors' own investigations into the use of gold nanoparticles as an antigen carrier and as an adjuvant in immunisation for in vivo preparation of antibodies. Many kinds of biologically active substances have relatively low molecular masses and, as a rule, evoke weak immune responses. For overcoming this restriction, in standard antibody-production techniques, haptens are chemically bound to high molecular-mass carriers, allowing preparation of a specific enough, hightiter antiserum. However, such an antiserum usually contains concomitant antibodies to the carrier's epitopes. This book presents a technology for production of antibodies against various antigens by using colloidal gold as a carrier and as an adjuvant.