Key steps towards the oriented immobilization of antibodies using boronic acids.

Oriented immobilization of antibodies using boronic acids shows a strong potential for improving immunoassay performance but is not yet widely used, possibly because of the difficulties encountered in its implementation. How to choose the boronic acid structure and how should it be attached to the surface? How to choose an antibody that will bind to the boronic acid? Under which conditions should the binding take place for an effective oriented antibody immobilization? How to make sure that the antibody stays on the surface? This tutorial review provides answers to these questions through analysis of the literature and personal suggestions, and thereby intends to facilitate the development of this promising antibody immobilization strategy.