They discovered where to put this slot by simulating the antibody on a large computer. The resulting product revealed an anti-fluorescein antibody which binds to metal ions. After physically inserting the genetic code in to E. coli. When copper was added to this new batch, it binded with the metal-ion binding sight, decreasing the fluorescent emissions. The human immune system already uses similar antibodies for similar tasks.
Natural antibodies conform to the shape of foreign bodies and bind to the outer surface.
They then release enzymes to break down the substance. In the experiment, copper acted as the foreign body while QM212 was the antibody. One application of this process could be used by the military. The military, utilizing bio-chemical tools, could engineer an antibody which binds with nerve gas and splits each molecule. This could be accomplished by first of all searching the Brookhaven database for a proper antibody.