A simplified method of producing biologically active monomeric ferritin-insulin for use as a high resolution ultrastructural marker for occupied insulin receptors.

A new, simplified, and highly reproducible method for preparing biologically active monomeric ferritin-insulin that can be used as a high-resolution ultrastructural marker for occupied insulin receptors is described. The ferritin-insulin conjugate was stable, and contained negligible free insulin and low levels of free ferritin. The hormone conjugate behaved identically to native insulin in both binding assays and biological activity (glucose oxidation) assays. The immunological and biological activities of the insulin in the conjugate were equal. Biogel 1.5 column purification was used to yield a product monomeric in ferritin.