The Art and Science of Nanobody Discovery: How Alpha Lifetech is Pushing Boundaries

Introduction:

Nanobodies, often referred to as single-domain antibodies, represent one of the most exciting frontiers of antibody engineering and discovery. Derived from camelid heavy chain antibodies, these miniature antibody fragments boast unique characteristics that enable their use across an array of applications ranging from diagnostics to therapy. Unlocking their full potential requires tailored techniques tailored specifically towards them.

Figure 1: Antibody structure

Alpha Lifetech has pioneered novel approaches to nanobody discovery through our cutting-edge technologies and extensive expertise in antibody engineering. Our integrated capabilities encompass sophisticated immunization strategies, phage display libraries, high-throughput screening platforms, and advanced characterization techniques that enable us to provide customized solutions ranging from recombinant nanobodies and humanized nanobodies optimized for diverse targets and indications.

Phage Display: An Innovative Approach to Nanobody Discovery

Phage display provides an effective tool for discovering and engineering nanobodies. To use it effectively, scientists construct libraries of nanobody genes cloned into bacteriophage vectors are then utilized as nanobodies are expressed on their surfaces as fusion proteins alongside coat proteins of each phage in its library displaying nanobodies; screening then allows one to isolate those that display high affinity and specificity against target antigens.

Phage display begins by creating an immune phage display library, which involves isolating mRNA from immunized camelid B cells and using this as the template to amplify nanobody genes using PCR amplification. Once amplified, these nanobodies can then be transferred into a phagemid vector for display on surface phage particles - each showing one unique nanobody to allow screening with ease.

To select nanobodies against specific antigens, the phage library is incubated with immobilized antigens, leading to the binding of phages with nanobody specificity against these antigens. Following wash away of unbound phages and subsequent amplification in bacteria culture media, bound phages displaying these nanobodies are isolated for further rounds of selection until finally those showing high antigen affinity nanobody genes can be isolated for recombinant expression and characterization.

Figure 2. The general scheme of phage display technique and

biopanning selection of high affinity peptide.

Alpha LifeTech Capabilities

Alpha Lifetech provides comprehensive capabilities for nanobody discovery and production to support research and development needs. Our experienced team and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to tailor custom solutions tailored specifically for each of your project goals.

Nanobody Discovery

- Alpaca immunization service/ Camel Immunization Service

- Synthesized Antibody / Native Antibody / Immune library construction

- Phage display, yeast display

- High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis

- High-throughput screening and affinity maturation

- In vitro and in vivo selection techniques

Nanobody Production

- Recombinant expression in bacteria and mammalian cells

- Process development and scale-up in bioreactors

- Purification, conjugation, multimerization

- GMP manufacturing and quality control

Support Services

For our projects, we can assist with antigen preparation, epitope mapping, structural characterization, and functional evaluation services.

At Alpha Lifetech, we understand each nanobody project has unique requirements. With state-of-the-art facilities and decades of experience behind us, Alpha Lifetech stands as your partner of choice when it comes to discovering and producing nanobodies.