Sigma-Aldrich Mix-n-Stain CF dye antibody labelling kits

Mix-n-Stain antibody labelling kits dramatically simplify the process of antibody labelling. The kits enable a researcher to covalently label 1-100 μg of an antibody with one of the company’s bright and photostable CF dyes or biotin in 30 min and ~100% yield. The brightness, photostability and colour selection of CF dyes are claimed to exceed the quality of other commercial dyes as a result of rational dye design.

The labelling kits come with a vial of premeasured CF dye or biotin in the buffer provided, a step taking less than 30 s of hands-on time. After waiting for another 30 min, without a separation step, the user will have an optimally labelled antibody conjugate ready to be used in any immunofluorescence staining experiment.

One breakthrough feature of the kits is that antibody labelling can be conducted in the presence of virtually any amount of BSA, gelatin or non-antibody proteins in ascites fluid when the new, modified protocol is used. Azide and a low level of Tris are also tolerated.

The labelling is chemical, which means the dye is covalently attached to the antibody. The conjugates are stable for at least six months in storage buffer. With a collection of 20 CF dyes spanning the entire visible and near-infrared spectra, the user will have the freedom to label any commercial primary antibody with a colour of their choice or biotin label, making multicolour detection simple and affordable.