streptavidin

A small bacterial protein that binds with high affinity to the vitamin biotin. This streptavidin-biotin combination can be used to link molecules such as radioisotopes and monoclonal antibodies together. These bound products have the property of being attracted to, and attaching to, cancer cells, rather than normal cells. The radiolabeled products are more easily removed from the body, thus decreasing their toxicity.

A microbial protein with a high affinity for the B complex vitamin biotin. The specific interaction of these two molecules has been exploited in labelling technology and in applications where a specific molecule needs to be captured or purified.