Simple, quick and efficient site-directed antibody immobilization in a cartridge

A method is described for the simple, quick and efficient attachment of antibody within a cartridge for use as an immunoaffinity chromatography column. Antibodies are immobilized via their Fc regions through the use of periodate-oxidized carbohydrate functionalities of the immunoglobulin G. The method allows for the in situ coupling of the immunoglobulin G without prior removal of the oxidizing periodate solution. The entire procedure can be completed in 50 minutes. This method is especially useful for quick determinations of a particular monoclonal antibody's functionality or avidity towards a specific antigen. It may also be used in place of a conventional immunoaffinity column for the rapid isolation of small amounts of an antigen. This method will reduce the lengthy process of preparing an immunoaffinity column from several days to less than an hour.