Innova Biosciences develops technologies that allow coloured or other detectable substances (‘labels’) to be attached irreversibly to an antibody to form a hybrid molecule called either an ‘antibody conjugate’ or a ‘labelled antibody’. Innova uses uniquely simple processes that save operator time, improve yield of antibody conjugates and minimise batch-to-batch variation. Labelled antibodies are an integral part of modern biological research and medical diagnosis. The growing diagnostic market requires antibodies to be attached to nanoparticles (gold or latex particles for instance), but the traditional methods for creating these particular hybrid reagents are not straightforward; often there is poor reproducibility, unwanted aggregation and reagent instability. These problems reflect the intrinsic properties of nanoparticles and also the fact that the antibodies are attached by relatively weak bonds using ‘passive’ adsorption processes. Innova will develop ultra-stable derivatives of nanoparticles with a special stabilising surface coat and new methods of nanoparticle labelling technologies, to allow irreversible attachment of antibodies. Methods for orienting antibodies favourably on the surface will also be developed to allow the best possible performance of the antibody-nanoparticle conjugate in diagnostic applications. Sold in easy-to-use kit formats, the nanoparticle linking systems will be used for evaluation within the research labs of diagnostics companies. Such labs are receptive to new technologies that can accelerate development work and enhance the performance of reagents and sensitivity of diagnostic tests. In parallel, Innova will develop processes for making large quantities (up to 50 litres) of ultra-stable nanoparticles to support bulk manufacturing of Point of Care devices by diagnostics companies.