Exploiting antibody-based technologies to manage environmental pollution

Many commodities used in the food, cosmetic, chemical and environmental industrial sectors function by binding to other molecules. Antibodies can bind virtually any molecule, from large proteins to small organic ligands, and could replace substances with undesirable medical, social or environmental side effects, if they could be provided in stable configurations and in quantities and at costs acceptable to industry. Antibody fragments also offer the possibility of sensitive detection and efficient removal of organic pollutants from the environment.