New Plant-based Block Minimizes Background Signal for Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence

BURLINGAME, Calif.
September 5, 2016

Vector Laboratories, a leader in the development and manufacture of labeling and detection reagents for biomedical research, introduces a ready-to-use (RTU) animal-free blocking agent and diluent for cell- and tissue-based immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence. This new plant-based block is an alternative to widely used animal-based blocks such as sera, BSA, casein and non-fat dry milk, enabling the lab to reduce the use of animal-derived reagents.

The RTU animal-free block can be used with both peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase antibody conjugates and all secondary detection reagents including polymer systems and avidin/biotin reagents that incorporate these enzymes. Because the new reagent eliminates the possibility of species cross-reactivity, the blocker can be used in multiple labeling IHC applications. The new block was designed using optimal conditions and neutral pH specificity.

“This new animal-free block was developed in response to customer demand,” explains Craig Pow, Ph.D., director of technical services for Vector Laboratories. “The ready-to-use aspect of the product is especially important, as investigators continuously look for ways to streamline workflows.”