Griffin:Antibody Protein Coupling (F:P) Ratios: Difference between revisions

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Antibodies from the same manufacturer can exhibit batch to-batch variation. In addition, some control antibodies are not marketed at the same concentration as the test antibody. Many available reagents have high F:P ratios and are better avoided if alternatives exist (over- conjugation can produce highly charged acidic species which tend to stick non-specifically to cells, especially if they are fixed). It is important to establish the correct working dilutions for every new antibody, including those from different batches, for each detection system.  
Antibodies from the same manufacturer can exhibit batch to-batch variation. In addition, some control antibodies are not marketed at the same concentration as the test antibody. Many available reagents have high F:P ratios and are better avoided if alternatives exist (over- conjugation can produce highly charged acidic species which tend to stick non-specifically to cells, especially if they are fixed). It is important to establish the correct working dilutions for every new antibody, including those from different batches, for each detection system.  


When tagging antibodies what is important is optimizing the tag:antibody ratio so that the maximum number of tags are coupled to the antibody without affecting its antigen binding activity. This is more important than the potential number of tags that can bind to every SH or NH2 groups available. For standard tags like FITC, Biotin, HRP, etc. there are standard coupling procedures to achieve this.  For others, an optimization process may be required.
When tagging antibodies what is important is optimizing the tag:antibody ratio so that the maximum number of tags are coupled to the antibody without affecting its antigen binding activity. This is more important than the potential number of tags that can bind to every SH or NH2 groups available. For standard tags like FITC, Biotin, HRP, etc. there are standard coupling procedures to achieve this.  For others, an optimization process may be required.


Most antibody conjugates are done by using the NH2 groups from amino acid side chains in the IgG proteins (i.e., primary amines from lysine). This seems to be less disruptive for the IgG. There are some chemistries that take advantage of SH groups in IgGs. The SH groups are not readily available and need to be produced by reducing disulfide bonds (S-S) with mild reducing agents prior to coupling. This has the potential of disrupting the IgG secondary and tertiary structures and potentially harming its antigen binding activity. There are 16 Disulfide bonds in IgGs, with a potential to form 32 SH groups. Average number of lysine residues in IgG...there are a lot of them.


Below are some examples of suitable coupling ratios for various detection molecules to the antibody,
Most antibody conjugates are done by using the NH2 groups from amino acid side chains in the IgG proteins (i.e., primary amines from lysine). This seems to be less disruptive for the IgG. There are some chemistries that take advantage of SH groups in IgGs. The SH groups are not readily available and need to be produced by reducing disulfide bonds (S-S) with mild reducing agents prior to coupling. This has the potential of disrupting the IgG secondary and tertiary structures and potentially harming its antigen binding activity. There are 16 Disulfide bonds in IgGs, with a potential to form 32 SH groups. Average number of lysine residues in IgG...there are a lot of them. Below are some examples of suitable coupling ratios for various detection molecules to the antibody,
 


*3 to 8 biotin per IgG molecule (biotin MW: 244)
*3 to 8 biotin per IgG molecule (biotin MW: 244)

Revision as of 11:28, 23 September 2008

Antibodies from the same manufacturer can exhibit batch to-batch variation. In addition, some control antibodies are not marketed at the same concentration as the test antibody. Many available reagents have high F:P ratios and are better avoided if alternatives exist (over- conjugation can produce highly charged acidic species which tend to stick non-specifically to cells, especially if they are fixed). It is important to establish the correct working dilutions for every new antibody, including those from different batches, for each detection system.


When tagging antibodies what is important is optimizing the tag:antibody ratio so that the maximum number of tags are coupled to the antibody without affecting its antigen binding activity. This is more important than the potential number of tags that can bind to every SH or NH2 groups available. For standard tags like FITC, Biotin, HRP, etc. there are standard coupling procedures to achieve this. For others, an optimization process may be required.


Most antibody conjugates are done by using the NH2 groups from amino acid side chains in the IgG proteins (i.e., primary amines from lysine). This seems to be less disruptive for the IgG. There are some chemistries that take advantage of SH groups in IgGs. The SH groups are not readily available and need to be produced by reducing disulfide bonds (S-S) with mild reducing agents prior to coupling. This has the potential of disrupting the IgG secondary and tertiary structures and potentially harming its antigen binding activity. There are 16 Disulfide bonds in IgGs, with a potential to form 32 SH groups. Average number of lysine residues in IgG...there are a lot of them. Below are some examples of suitable coupling ratios for various detection molecules to the antibody,


  • 3 to 8 biotin per IgG molecule (biotin MW: 244)
  • 4 to 7 FITC per IgG molecule (FITC MW: 390)
  • 1 to 2 HRP per IgG molecule (HRP MW: 40,000)
  • 1 APC per IgG molecule (APC MW: 100,000)
  • ~1 PE per IgG molecule (PE MW: 240,000)
  • AF405: 1-3 moles of dye: mole of IgG
  • AF488: 4-9 moles of dye: mole of IgG
  • AF647: 3-7 moles of dye: mole of IgG


  1. Reilly JT. Use and evaluation of leucocyte monoclonal antibodies in the diagnostic laboratory: a review. Clin Lab Haematol. 1996 Mar;18(1):1-5. DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2257.1996.tb00728.x | PubMed ID:9118596 | HubMed [Paper1]