Antibody Conjugates and Therapeutic Strategies

A schematic representation of polymeric nanoparticles of approximately 150 nm diameter with anchor points for conjugation. These anchors can form an integral and covalent part of the polymer stand prior to nanoparticle assembly (A). PLGA, commonly used to make solid nanoparticles, lacks the necessary functional groups for covalent conjugation. Functionality added prior to assembly ensures that at least some of the functional groups exist at the surface, with most submerged within the nanoparticle matrix. Alternatively, functionality can be adsorbed onto the nanoparticle surface once its assembly is complete (B).