definition. Cross-linking agents induce the formation of covalent bonds among proteins that are neighbours. The cross-linker may be a bifunctional molecule having two reactive ends linked by a spacer, often containing a disulfide bond.

What is intramolecular cross-linking?

First, intramolecular cross-linking, in which two a chains within the same molecule may be covalently linked. Second, intermolecular cross-linking that involves the formation of covalent bridges between chains in different molecules.

How does glutaraldehyde crosslinking work?

Glutaraldehyde is an aggressive carbonyl (–CHO) reagent that condenses amines via Mannich reactions and/or reductive amination. It is an indiscriminant crosslinking reagent that was commonly used in the past to prepare antibody-enzyme conjugates.