Antibody diluent storage strategy after antibody dilution: ensuring stability and activity
Publish Time: 2025-02-26
In biological research and clinical diagnosis, the stability and activity of antibodies are crucial, especially during the storage process after dilution. As a key reagent for diluting and preserving antibodies, the correct use and storage strategy of antibody diluent play an important role in maintaining the performance of antibodies.
After antibody dilution, its stability and activity are affected by many factors, including temperature, light, pH, ionic strength, and the material of the storage container. In order to ensure that the diluted antibody can maintain its performance for a long time, it is first necessary to select a suitable antibody diluent. High-quality antibody diluents usually contain stabilizers and antibody protectants, which can effectively reduce antibody degradation and non-specific binding.
When storing diluted antibody diluents, temperature is a key factor. For short-term storage (such as a few hours to a day), it is usually recommended to store the diluent in a 4°C refrigerator to maintain the stability of the antibody. However, for diluted antibodies that need to be stored for a long time, they should be aliquoted into small portions (such as 50~200µL each) and stored in a low-temperature freezer at -20°C or -80°C. Aliquoting can avoid repeated freezing and thawing, which is one of the main causes of antibody degradation. At the same time, sterile, well-sealed cryogenic storage containers should be used, and the concentration and storage date of the diluent should be marked on the container.
Light is also an important factor affecting the stability of antibody diluent antibodies. Many antibodies, especially fluorescent-labeled antibodies, are sensitive to light. Therefore, when storing diluted antibodies, direct exposure to strong light should be avoided. It is best to store them in a dark place or use an opaque storage container.
In addition, preventing contamination is also key to maintaining antibody activity. The diluent should be stored away from air for too long to reduce the possibility of oxidation. A sterile pipette tip should be used each time it is used to avoid cross-contamination. During storage, you can also consider adding a preservative, such as 0.02% sodium chloride, to improve the stability of the diluent.
In summary, in order to ensure the stability and activity of antibodies after dilution, it is necessary to select the appropriate antibody diluent, control the storage temperature, avoid light, and prevent contamination. These measures can not only extend the shelf life of the antibody, but also ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the experimental results. In biological research and clinical diagnosis, the correct antibody preservation strategy is the key to ensuring experimental success and diagnostic accuracy.
