Novel nanoparticle-antibody conjugates for biotechnology applications

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The convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology can lead to new and improved methods for biomedical research and development, which will ultimately improve health care in Canada and worldwide. For example, nanoparticles composed of gold, semiconductors, and magnetic materials such as iron oxide have unique properties that can benefit diagnostic tests for molecular markers of disease, or the isolation of specific cell types for study. Vancouver-based STEMCELL Technologies Inc. has a portfolio of iron oxide nanoparticle and antibody products that can be used for these applications. These products have been enabled by iron oxide nanoparticles and a patented "tetrameric antibody complex (TAC)" method of linking the nanoparticles with antibodies. Many other types of nanoparticles are useful for a range of other biological applications, but have not be utilized with the TAC method. We propose to collaborate with STEMCELL Technologies to adapt their TAC methodology to gold and semiconductor nanoparticles using simple, modular, and reliable chemistry. The antibody-nanoparticle conjugates will then be physically characterized and validated in biochemical assays. This project will yield new methods from preparing biologically functional nanoparticles, support the training of highly qualified personnel with skills valued by local scientific industry, enhance the technology and (potentially) product portfolio of STEM CELL Technologies, and lead to future collaboration on the development of novel biomedical methods and technologies.