Monoclonal

Monoclonal antibodies detect only one epitope on a particular antigen. They also consist of only one antibody subtype. Generally, monoclonal antibodies take longer, and require more effort to produce than polyclonal antibodies, however, once hybridomas are made, they can be continually reused to create identical batches; which is helpful for consistent experimental results and standardizing procedures.

Monoclonal antibodies usually have less background, and won’t cross-react with other proteins making them suited to use as the primary antibody in assays, detecting antigens in tissue, staining, or affinity purification. Sometimes these attributes may also cause issues; for instance if the antibody is too specific, and won’t work in a broad range of species, or is no longer effective after the loss of an epitope through chemical treatment of the antigen.