Structure and immunological properties of polyacrolein formed by means of ionizing radiation and base catalysis

The kinetics of the formation of polyacrolein microspheres by ionizing radiation (polymer I) were investigated. Their structure and reactivity were compared with polyacrolein microspheres prepared by base catalysis (polymer II). The study of Fourier infrared (IR) spectra of polymers I and II showed structural differences. The reaction of polyacrolein spheres with m-aminophenol indicated the presence of conjugated groups. The reaction of antibodies with polyacrolein spheres was investigated as a function of pH and the number of reactive aldehyde groups was determined by nitrogen analysis of polyacrolein-hydroxylamine adducts. Intensely fluorescent polyacrolein microspheres obtained by Co-γ-irradiation in sizes of 100 Å–4 μm have already found applications as immunoreagents for cell labeling and separation.