Universal Antibody Dilution Buffer, IC-8002
Product Introduction
This product is a ready-to-use, protein-free universal antibody dilution buffer specifically formulated for the optimal dilution and storage of primary and secondary antibodies used in Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) applications. Antibodies represent critical and often costly reagents in molecular biology research, and their efficient utilization directly impacts experimental reproducibility and cost-effectiveness. Traditional antibody dilution buffers containing BSA, non-fat milk, or other proteinaceous blocking agents can introduce cross-reactivity and non-specific binding, leading to increased background signal and reduced detection sensitivity. This Universal Antibody Dilution Buffer eliminates these issues through a completely protein-free formulation, fundamentally avoiding antibody-protein cross-reactions. It significantly enhances detection sensitivity, producing exceptionally low background and high signal-to-noise ratios across multiple immunodetection platforms. Additionally, the buffer is free from alkaline phosphatase, casein, and biotin components, making it particularly suitable for detecting post-translational modifications including phosphorylation and glycosylation events, as well as for biotin-based detection systems where protein interference or endogenous biotin contamination must be rigorously excluded.
This product is a non-sterile formulation and does not require aseptic handling for routine use. To support long-term use by customers, it is recommended to perform pipetting and handling in a clean environment. A preservative that does not affect antibody activity has been added to the formulation.
Product Features
1. Long-Term Antibody Stability: Antibodies diluted in this buffer remain stable at 4¡ãC for at least 1 month, enabling multiple reuses across Western blot, IF, and IHC experiments for significant antibody cost savings.
2. Protein-Free Formulation: Eliminates cross-reactivity between blocking proteins and antibodies, fundamentally reducing non-specific binding and enhancing detection sensitivity.
3. Exceptionally Low Background: Produces minimal background and high signal-to-noise ratios across Western blot, IF, and IHC applications.
4. Compatible with Post-Translational Modification Detection: Free of alkaline phosphatase, casein, and biotin, making it ideal for detecting phosphorylated, glycosylated, and other modified protein targets.
5. Biotin-System Compatible: Absence of biotin and biotin-binding proteins ensures compatibility with biotin-streptavidin detection systems without interference.
6. Preservative-Protected: Contains a preservative that does not interfere with antibody activity, supporting long-term storage and multiple reuses.
Specifications
Size: Available in 100 mL and 500 mL
Application: Antibody dilution for Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Formulation: Protein-free, ready-to-use, non-sterile
Key Exclusions: Alkaline phosphatase-free, casein-free, biotin-free
Preservative: Contains preservative with no effect on antibody activity
Storage and Stability
Storage Conditions: Store at 2-8¡ãC valid for 1 year. Store at -20¡ãC valid for 2 years. After opening, it is recommended to use within 3-6 months. If visible flocculent precipitate or turbidity develops during use, this indicates contamination; discard the product and use a fresh bottle.
Shelf Life: 1 year at 2-8¡ãC; 2 years at -20¡ãC.
Usage Guidelines for Diluted Antibodies
1. Storage of Diluted Antibodies: Antibodies diluted in Universal Antibody Dilution Buffer can be stably stored and used at 4¡ãC for at least 1 month, supporting multiple repeated uses for Western blot, IF, and IHC experiments. This significantly conserves valuable antibody reagents.
2. Reuse of Diluted Antibodies: When the diluted antibody solution remains essentially clear, it may continue to be reused. If slight turbidity or a small amount of precipitate appears, centrifuge briefly and retain the supernatant for continued use. This typically does not affect performance.
3. Discard Criteria: If detection sensitivity decreases significantly, or if the solution becomes visibly turbid or cloudy indicating microbial growth, discard the diluted antibody solution immediately and prepare fresh dilutions.
Protocol (For Reference Only)
Important: This product is non-sterile and does not require aseptic technique. However, to support long-term use, it is recommended to pipette and handle the buffer in a clean environment. Do not dilute the buffer unless specified for specific applications.
1. Antibody Dilution: Dilute primary or secondary antibodies in Universal Antibody Dilution Buffer to the desired working concentration according to the antibody manufacturer''''''''s recommendations or experimentally optimized titers. Mix gently by pipetting or inversion. Do not vortex.
2. Short-Term Storage of Diluted Antibodies: For antibodies intended for reuse, prepare sufficient volume for the planned experiments plus dead volume. After each use, return the diluted antibody solution to a clean tube and store immediately at 4¡ãC. Record the preparation date and number of uses.
3. Western Blot Application: Following membrane blocking and primary antibody incubation (diluted in this buffer), wash membranes according to standard protocols. Detect using appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies also diluted in this buffer. Expect reduced background and improved band clarity compared to protein-containing diluents.
4. Immunofluorescence Application: Dilute primary antibodies in this buffer for cell or tissue staining. The protein-free formulation minimizes non-specific binding to fixed samples, reducing background fluorescence and improving signal specificity.
5. Immunohistochemistry Application: For IHC, dilute primary antibodies in this buffer. The protein-free composition reduces non-specific tissue staining, producing cleaner chromogenic or fluorescent signals with improved morphological detail.
Precautions
1. This product is non-sterile; routine use does not require aseptic technique. For long-term storage, handle the buffer in a clean environment to prevent contamination.
2. The buffer contains a preservative that does not affect antibody activity; do not add additional preservatives or antimicrobial agents.
3. Do not dilute the ready-to-use buffer unless specifically required for a particular application; dilution may compromise antibody stability and detection performance.
4. If precipitate appears in the diluted antibody solution, centrifuge briefly at 10,000 x g for 1-2 minutes and retain the supernatant. Discard the diluted antibody if turbidity persists or detection quality declines.
5. The buffer is protein-free; certain antibodies may require carrier proteins for optimal stability. If antibody activity diminishes unexpectedly, a small amount of BSA (0.1% w/v) may be added to the dilution buffer.
6. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
FAQ (Simplified)
Q1: How is this buffer different from diluting antibodies in BSA or milk solutions?
A1: This buffer is completely protein-free, which fundamentally avoids cross-reactivity between blocking proteins and antibodies. Protein-based diluents can introduce non-specific binding and background signal. The protein-free formulation also eliminates variability associated with different lots of BSA or milk powder, ensuring more reproducible results.
Q2: How many times can I reuse diluted antibodies prepared with this buffer?
A2: Antibodies diluted in this buffer remain stable at 4¡ãC for at least 1 month and can typically be reused multiple times during this period. The exact number of reuses depends on the antibody stability, target abundance, and detection method. Monitor detection performance and discard if signal quality declines.
Q3: Can I use this buffer for phospho-specific antibodies?
A3: Yes. This buffer is particularly recommended for phospho-specific and other modification-specific antibodies. It is free of alkaline phosphatase and casein, which can dephosphorylate target proteins or compete with phospho-antibody binding. The protein-free formulation also reduces masking of modification sites.
Q4: Is this buffer compatible with biotin-based detection systems?
A4: Yes. The buffer is completely free of biotin and biotin-binding proteins, making it fully compatible with biotin-streptavidin detection systems. Traditional BSA or milk-based diluents may contain endogenous biotin that interferes with biotin-based detection.
Disclaimer
1. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
2. Due to the variable nature of biological research, optimization of antibody dilution conditions is recommended for specific antibodies and experimental systems.
3. This warranty is limited to the replacement of the product. The manufacturer assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages, including loss of samples or data.
4. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves when handling this product.
Ordering Information
Catalog Number: IC-8002
Product Name: Universal Antibody Dilution Buffer
Size: 100 mL / 500 mL
Price:
100 mL: CNY ¥300.00 / USD $30.00 / EUR €36.00 / JPY ¥5400.00
500 mL: CNY ¥750.00 / USD $75.00 / EUR €90.00 / JPY ¥13500.00
2023 Version


