A cross-linker is a molecule that has at least two reactive groups and engages in a chemical reaction, which forms a bridged structure among the polymer chains. Homo-bifunctional crosslinkers have the same reactive chemistry at each end of the molecule, while heterobifunctional crosslinkers have different chemistries at each end.

Protein bioconjugations require cross-linker technologies and are an essential component of many proteomics methods, including the creation of probes for western blotting and ELISA. Crosslinkers are also useful for materials science and the creation of numerous products, such as hydrogels and treatment creams.

LGC Standards offers a wide range of crosslinkers - including those that can be used to attach primary amines, sulfhydryls and PEGYlated molecules.