Introduction: The aim of this study was to differentiate heavy and light chain-derived instability of monoclonal myeloma immunoglobulins by complexation of matched supramolecular dyes. These are composed of several micellar pieces of self-assembled dye molecules which may penetrate the protein interior of the binding locus with polypeptide chains. These dyes were used to elicit, by precipitation, the postulated higher aggregation tendency of the heavy chain derived from its higher hydrophobicity. Materials and Methods: Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to create conditions for dye complexation and to reveal the precipitation. Results: Congo red derivatives with aromatic ring substitutes, BACR and DBACR, of increased penetrating capability were chosen to provoke the precipitation of abnormal immunoglobulins by displacing association-prone polypeptide chains from the protein interior. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the heavy chain-related propensity of some monoclonal immunoglobulins to aggregate and precipitate. The simplicity of the technique may improve clinical diagnosis and facilitate predictions of disease complications.
The paper addresses the problems of carriers and antibodies in targeted therapy. Also the new material of liquid crystalline nature, designed for use as a drug vehicle in the immune targeting technique is presented and its property is discussed. Obtained by self-assembling, the ribbon-like supramolecular organisation products of some azo-dyes, particularly including Congo red and Evans blue, form micellar bodies of this carrier. They bind spontaneously and selectively to immune complexes but not to free antibodies. The binding strongly enhances the antigen - antibody interaction. Micelles of the carrier composed of self-assembled molecules easily incorporate many foreign substances including drugs, favouring however those of possibly planar molecules. The excess of carrier leaves the organism rapidly through the urine tract, reducing the possible side effects. The nature of chromonic liquid crystalline material is suitable for many modifications and adapting elaboration.
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