Synthesis of polystyrene suspensions with a narrow particle size distribution in the presence of dextran as a particle stabilizer for the use in immunochemical investigations

Polystyrene suspensions for immunochemical investigations, with a narrow particle size distribution, were synthetized in the presence of a polysaccharide, namely dextran T 500 000. Dextran served as a particle stabilizer and as a Ligand delivering functional groups onto the surface layer of particles. These functional groups are capable of forming covalent bonds with proteins. The optimum concentrations of dextran and initiator (potassium persulphate) were established for the preparation of suspensions with a narrow particle size distribution and with a high stability during storage in physiological saline solutions.