Chromalink™ was founded on a proprietary, easy-to-use, catalyzed linker technology that enables faster and quantitative conjugation of biomolecules with higher efficiencies and yields. Biomolecule conjugation is fundamental to ELISAs, affinity chromatography, and bead assays. However, the standard maleimido, SMCC, and EDAC conjugation chemistries are notoriously slow, inefficient, tedious, and not easily measurable, adding unnecessary time and expense. At TriLink, we are seeking to change this paradigm with our proprietary linker technology.
Limitations with Conventional Bifunctional Linkers
Conjugations are commonly performed with a bifunctional linker, such as SMCC (succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate), having differing reactivity on each end, for the joining of two different molecules. One end reacts (via NHS ester) with amines (-NH2) found in the amino acid lysine and N-terminus on proteins, and the other end reacts (via maleimide) with the thiol groups (-SH) found in the amino acid cysteine. This method suffers from limitations that are often overlooked:
No measurement – No method to easily quantify conjugate formation
Molecular weight dependent – Efficiency is dependent on the MW of the two proteins
Inefficient – Post-modification reactivity leads to unwanted homoconjugate population
Unstable – Short-term stability and susceptible to hydrolysis
Synthesis incompatible – Not possible to incorporate linkers in oligo or peptide synthesis
Chromalink™ Two-Linker Solution
Chromalink™ technology is built on an innovative, catalyzed, UV-traceable linker that offers greater efficiency and higher yield in a considerably simpler method. TriLink introduces two linkers: HyNic (6-hydrazino-nicotinic acid, an aromatic hydrazine) and 4FB (4-formylbenzoate, an aromatic aldehyde). In the TriLink strategy, biomolecule 1 is linked to HyNic, and biomolecule 2 is linked to 4FB, through primary amines or thiols on proteins, oligos, peptides, carbohydrates, or surfaces. Mixing of the two biomolecules, with TurboLink catalyst, aniline, allows the two linkers to rapidly, selectively, and efficiently react with each other. The result is two biomolecules conjugated through a UV-traceable, stable bond (bis-arylhydrazone) with measurable absorbance at 354 nm. Any two proteins, oligos, peptides, etc., regardless of molecular weights, can be efficiently conjugated.
Chromalink™ Advantages
Catalyzed Conjugation – Faster kinetics for greater efficiency and yields
Quantifiable – Using a UV signature wavelength and simple UV scan
Stable – 10 times more stable than any other conjugation linker
Water Soluble – “Sulfo” versions eliminate hazardous organic solvents like DMF
Robust - The conjugate bond is stable to 92°C and pH 2.0–10.0
High Yields - Purify 40–60% of starting biomolecules
Chromalink™ technology is available as linker reagents, easy-to-use kits, bead products, and in bulk quantities for research and commercial organizations worldwide to enable next-generation biomedical assays and detection systems. We invite you to visit our Products and Services pages to find the product to best fit your application.
