Precision nanoparticle bioconjugation services tailored to maximize targeting efficiency and bioactivity.
Nanoparticle conjugation, the process of covalently or non-covalently attaching biomolecules to nanoparticle surfaces, is critical for developing advanced delivery systems and diagnostic probes. The challenge lies not just in attachment, but in controlling orientation, ratio, and stability while preserving the biological function of the payload. BOC Sciences leverages advanced bioconjugation chemistries and linker technologies to provide custom nanoparticle conjugation services. Whether for targeted drug delivery, biosensing, or cellular imaging, we engineer robust nanoparticle-biomolecule hybrids that perform reliably in your specific research environment.
Targeted drug delivery via conjugated nanoparticlesWe offer a versatile range of conjugation services, connecting nanoparticles to a wide spectrum of biological ligands and synthetic payloads. Our protocols are optimized to prevent aggregation and ensure high coupling efficiency.
We attach full-length antibodies, antibody fragments (Fab, scFv), or functional proteins to nanoparticles. Our strategies focus on controlling orientation to maximize antigen binding exposure.
Specialized protocols for grafting DNA, RNA, siRNA, or aptamers onto nanoparticle surfaces. We optimize salt aging and linker design to achieve high loading density and stability.
Connecting chemotherapeutic drugs, fluorescent dyes, or small targeting ligands (e.g., Folic acid) to nanoparticles using cleavable or non-cleavable linkers for controlled release.
Conjugation of bioactive peptides for targeting, cell penetration, or immune modulation. We handle peptide solubility issues and ensure steric availability on the particle surface.
Linking nanoparticles to polymer networks or hydrogels to create composite materials with enhanced mechanical properties or responsive behaviors.
We design and synthesize specific linkers (PEG spacers, rigid linkers) to optimize the distance between the nanoparticle and the payload, minimizing steric hindrance and improving interaction with targets.
From simple protein labeling to complex multi-component nanocarriers, BOC Sciences delivers conjugation services that prioritize reproducibility and bioactivity.
BOC Sciences operates a state-of-the-art facility equipped with comprehensive platforms for nanoparticle conjugation and characterization. Our integrated instrumentation ensures that every conjugation project benefits from precise process control, high reproducibility, and rigorous quality assessment.
| Instrument / Platform | Key Capabilities & Applications |
|---|---|
| I. Conjugation Reaction & Surface Functionalization | |
| Precision Reaction Control Systems | Includes thermostatic magnetic reactors and pH-stat automatic titration to ensure consistent reaction kinetics and stability. |
| Automated Liquid Handling Workstations | Enhances conjugation consistency across samples and supports high-throughput screening of coupling conditions. |
| II. Particle Size, Charge & Dispersity Characterization | |
| Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) | The core tool for assessing hydrodynamic diameter, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and colloidal stability for batch release. |
| Zeta Potential Analyzer | Determines surface charge changes to quantitatively validate functionalization success and predict electrostatic stability. |
| III. Conjugation Efficiency & Purity Analysis | |
| HPLC / UPLC Systems | Separates free ligands from conjugated particles; Critical for calculating coupling efficiency and verifying purity. |
| UV-Vis & Fluorescence Spectrophotometry | Rapid quantification of ligand attachment and payload concentration monitoring. |
| IV. Structural Imaging & Verification | |
| Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) | Direct visualization of true particle morphology, core-shell structures, and coating layer thickness. |
| Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) | Confirms the presence of specific functional groups and validates the formation of chemical bonds (e.g., amide bonds). |
Successful conjugation is more than just mixing reagents. BOC Sciences addresses the subtle technical hurdles that often lead to experimental failure in research settings.
✔ Preservation of Bioactivity
Standard coupling can denature proteins or block active sites. We use site-specific methods and protective linkers to ensure your antibody or enzyme remains fully functional after attachment.
✔ Prevention of Aggregation
Conjugation often changes surface charge, leading to instability. We optimize buffer conditions, zeta potential, and steric stabilization (PEGylation) to maintain monodispersity.
✔ Precise Ratio Control
We control the ligand-to-particle ratio (loading density) to suit your needs, whether you require high-density loading for sensing or single-molecule attachment for tracking.
✔ Linker Stability Optimization
For drug delivery, the link must be stable in circulation but release at the target. We design cleavable linkers responsive to specific intracellular environments.
✔ Removal of Unreacted Ligands
Free ligands cause background noise in assays. We employ rigorous purification methods (SEC, dialysis, ultrafiltration) to ensure high purity of the final conjugate.
✔ Reproducibility Across Batches
Using standardized SOPs and automated systems where possible, we minimize batch-to-batch variation, providing reliable materials for longitudinal studies.
We analyze your target payload and nanoparticle type to select the optimal conjugation chemistry, linker length, and purification strategy.
Professional execution of the coupling reaction, including activation, incubation, and blocking steps under controlled environmental conditions.
Removal of free ligands followed by comprehensive analysis (DLS, Zeta Potential, UV-Vis, Gel Electrophoresis) to verify conjugation success.
Shipment of the conjugated nanoparticles with a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and recommendations for storage and usage.
Client: A research institute developing a lateral flow assay for a viral antigen.
Challenge: The client's standard passive adsorption method resulted in random antibody orientation on gold nanoparticles, leading to low sensitivity and high batch variability. They required a stable, covalent conjugate with maximized binding capacity.
Solution: BOC Sciences utilized a directional conjugation strategy. We first functionalized the gold nanoparticles with a Protein A derivative, which specifically binds the Fc region of the client's antibody. This was followed by chemical crosslinking to permanently secure the orientation.
Outcome: The resulting conjugates displayed the antigen-binding sites (Fab) outwardly. In comparative testing, the directional conjugate showed a 10-fold increase in detection limit compared to the random adsorption method, enabling the detection of low-abundance viral markers.
Client: An academic lab studying blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing.
Challenge: The lab needed to attach a specific BBB-penetrating peptide to drug-loaded liposomes. Previous attempts using maleimide chemistry failed due to the peptide's internal cysteine residues interfering with the conjugation site, causing peptide aggregation.
Solution: We proposed a bio-orthogonal "Click" chemistry approach. We synthesized the peptide with a terminal Azide group and formulated liposomes containing DBCO-functionalized lipids. The conjugation was performed in aqueous buffer without copper catalysts (strain-promoted).
Outcome: The reaction proceeded with >95% efficiency and no side reactions involving the internal cysteines. The functionalized liposomes maintained their size distribution and successfully demonstrated enhanced uptake in BBB model cells.
Expertise in Complex ChemistriesOur team is proficient in a broad portfolio of bioconjugation strategies, including Click chemistry, hydrophobic insertion, and site-specific enzymatic ligation, ensuring optimal compatibility with your molecular constructs.
Tailored for Research SuccessWe align our services with the precise objectives of your research programs, providing flexible production scales from pilot batches for screening to larger quantities supporting in vivo studies.
Rigorous Analytical Quality ControlEach batch is comprehensively characterized for particle size distribution (DLS), surface charge (Zeta potential), and payload loading to ensure consistency and data reliability.
Broad Material CompatibilityEstablished workflows support a wide range of platforms, from inorganic nanoparticle cores such as gold and silica to organic carriers including liposomes and polymer-based systems.
Consultative Technical SupportOur scientists collaborate closely with your team, offering expert guidance on linker selection, stability optimization, and experimental design to maximize the value of your research outcomes.
Nanoparticles can efficiently conjugate with a variety of molecules, including antibodies, proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and small-molecule ligands. BOC Sciences provides flexible conjugation strategies, selecting covalent or non-covalent methods based on molecular properties to achieve optimal stability and functionality for diverse research or product development needs.
Nanoparticle stability depends on surface chemical modification and solution conditions. By optimizing ligand density, using appropriate buffers, and fine-tuning conjugation conditions, BOC Sciences can significantly enhance dispersion and long-term stability, ensuring functional molecules retain activity and specificity during applications.
Selecting a conjugation strategy requires consideration of nanoparticle type, target molecule properties, and intended applications. BOC Sciences offers multiple approaches, such as EDC/NHS chemistry, thiol-maleimide reactions, or click chemistry, ensuring high conjugation efficiency and structural integrity while protecting the activity of functional molecules.
Conjugation efficiency is usually assessed by quantifying surface-bound molecules or functional activity. BOC Sciences employs various characterization methods, including spectroscopy, fluorescence labeling, and particle size/surface charge measurements, providing quantitative data to help clients evaluate conjugation outcomes and optimize process parameters.
Multi-molecule conjugation allows different functional molecules to be attached on a single nanoparticle surface for synergistic or combined functions. BOC Sciences uses multi-step conjugation and selective modification techniques to precisely control the ratio and spatial distribution of each molecule, offering reliable solutions for complex nanoparticle carrier design.
