Activation and Conjugation of Soluble Polysaccharides using 1-Cyano-4-Dimethylaminopyridine Tetrafluoroborate (CDAP)

Proteins and amine-containing ligands can be covalently linked to polysaccharides activated by the cyanylation reagent, 1-cyano-4-dimethylaminopyridine tetrafluoroborate (CDAP), to form covalent protein (ligand)-polysaccharide conjugates. This article describes an improved protocol for carrying out controlled CDAP activation at 0 °C and varying pH and performing subsequent conjugation of the activated polysaccharides.