BDI Antibody

A core competence of the BDI is its vast expertise, capability and resources in antibody research, engineering, screening and characterisation. Led by Professor Richard O'Kennedy, the 30-strong team of researchers has a track record of research commercialisation and industry engagement, having worked with many national and international companies on a wide range of projects. Applications include human and animal health, food safety, environmental monitoring and drug detection.

BDI Antibody is a commercially-focused entity established to exploit this expertise for the benefit of Irish-based industry and the Irish economy.
BDI Antibody will work with SME's, start-ups and multinationals to help them exploit new technologies and develop next generation higher performing competitive products. It will also work with foreign-based multinationals seeking to establish a presence in Ireland.

BDI Antibody has the option to use either phage display or its own proprietary technology in the development of recombinant antibodies.


BDI Antibody has successfully produced antibodies for the following target applications: 

• Cardiac disease Biomarkers - Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), C-reactive protein (CRP), Cardiac biomarker heart-type fatty acid binding protein hFABP, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) 
• Cancer Biomarkers - Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Fetuin A/AHSG (r2-HSglycoprotein)- hepatocellular carcinoma
• Animal Health Biomarkers - Mastitis - Phospholipase D (PLD), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) 
• Food Safety - Internalin A (InlA) , Internalin B (InlB) - Listeria monocytogenes, , Benzimidazole carbamate (BZT), Halofuginone, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) 
• Marine toxins - Microcystin 
• Drugs of abuse - Morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G)

Characterisation Facilities

• BiacoreTM 4000 SPR system
• BiacoreTM 3000 SPR system
• BiacoreTM 1000 SPR system
• Mbio diagnostics SnapEsi®-beta detection platform
• High-throughput custom designed TECAN based robotic antibody screening
• BioMek 2000 for rapid sample processing/rapid analysis: antibody testing
• HPLC and FPLC systems
• Image analyser, Cell culture suite, PCR/Cycler, - Bacterial shaker incubators

Custom Antibody Generation

The Antibody Characterisation Facility specialises in the development and production of custom-designed polyclonal, monoclonal and recombinant antibodies.

Polyclonal antibodies are produced using a variety of different hosts including rabbits, chickens and mice.

A particular strength is the development of recombinant antibodies, so-called antibody fragments, which can be engineered to have higher affinity and higher specificity than their monoclonal or polyclonal counterparts.