An easily synthesized DendriGraft poly-lysine DGL-G3 (third generation) was shown to act as an efficient carrier for raising antibodies directed against small molecules. The immunological properties of three different forms of DGL-G3 were investigated: the native form (molecular weight 22 kDa bearing a mean number of 123 surface amino groups as TFA salts), a form modified at the C-terminus by fluorescein (fluorescein-DGL-G3), and last a surface-modified form bearing histamine (DGL-G3-Histamine). Our studies demonstrate the native DGL-G3 to be inefficient in eliciting antibody production in rabbits. Immunizations of rabbits using the core-modified fluorescein-DGL-G3 or the surface-modified DGL-G3-histamine conjugate failed in eliciting antibody production. Conversely, following a primary immunization using a BSA-histamine conjugate, a second immunization with DGL-G3-histamine conjugate improved the production of specific hapten-directed antibodies, which demonstrates the utility of DGL-G3 as a carrier for the production of highly specific antibody against haptens.

The covalent immobilization of synthetic or natural macromolecular compounds containing amino groups onto polystyrene (PS) solid surfaces is of great interest in diagnostic applications. A sensitive assay allowing the determination of reactive end groups is therefore a powerful tool for predicting the performance of the active surface. Recently, we reported the use of the Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) colorimetric reagent to quantify protonated groups (N(+)) in linear and dendritic structures in solution (Coussot et al., Polym Int 58(5):511-518, 2009). In this work, a simple method using CBB dye for the characterization of PS aminated solid surfaces is developed. The proposed amino density estimation by colorimetric assay (ADECA) method is based on the reversible complexation of the dye with the N(+) groups on solid surfaces. The assay measures the released dye thanks to the use of a unique sodium carbonate-methanol buffer. Thereby, for the first time, the same surface can be used for characterization and for further coupling applications. A surface density of four N(+) groups per square nanometer can be measured in PS microwell format, the whole characterization being done within 30 min. Performances of this new colorimetric-based method are detailed. The ADECA method is further demonstrated to be useful for the characterization of aminated polypropylene and glass materials with various sizes and shapes.