Antibody Fragmentation Kits

Antibody fragmentation kits are used to separate whole antibodies into their functional fragment regions and subsequently purify the target fragment. Antibody fragments consist of two antigen-binding fragments (Fab) and a single crystallizable fragment (Fc). These kits often use immobilized protease enzymes such as papain, pepsin or ficin to cleave the antibody. When papain is used on IgG antibodies, the antibody is cleaved above the hinge region, creating two separate Fab fragments and one Fc fragment. The use of pepsin leaves the hinge region intact and results in bivalent Fabs or F(ab')2. Affinity purification, often with Protein A, yields pure, enzyme-free antibody fragments. Fabs can be used to bind to their target without eliciting an immune response, which is useful for controlled targeting. Removing the Fc region helps to reduce non-specific interactions and is useful for immunohistochemistry and other biochemical assays. Visit the supplier page for more kit information, such as sample information, methodology, and downstream applications.