Invitrogen™ eBioscience™ IHC /ICC Blocking Buffer

1. IHC/ICC Blocking Buffer - High Protein (Catalog Number: 00-4952-54)

The IHC/ICC Blocking Buffer - High Protein is formulated for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) protocols, addressing challenges of non-specific binding and high background staining. It is specifically suited for nuclear antigens, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections, and tissues or antibodies prone to elevated non-specific staining.

Key Features:

• High-protein content enhances blocking efficiency for challenging samples.
• Reduces non-specific binding in protocols with high-background staining.
• Ideal for use with FFPE tissue and nuclear antigens.
• Functions as both:
  • Blocking step: Eliminates non-specific background signal.
  • Antibody diluent: For primary and secondary antibodies during incubation.
• Compatible with:
  • Organic dye-conjugated antibodies.
  • Unconjugated antibodies used in two- or three-step staining protocols.
• Ready-to-use 1X liquid solution.

Applications:

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on FFPE tissues and frozen sections.
• Immunocytochemistry (ICC) on cells with high background staining.
• Staining protocols for nuclear antigens.

2. IHC/ICC Blocking Buffer - Low Protein (Catalog Number: 00-4953-54)

The IHC/ICC Blocking Buffer - Low Protein is designed for applications where non-specific background staining is moderate. This buffer offers balanced blocking performance without over-saturating the sample, making it suitable for routine IHC and ICC applications.

Key Features:

• Lower protein content minimizes interference while still effectively blocking non-specific sites.
• Recommended for average levels of background staining in tissues and antibodies.
• Functions as both:
  • Blocking step: Reduces background signal.
  • Antibody diluent: Ensures uniform binding of unconjugated and dye-conjugated antibodies.
• Supplied as a 1X liquid solution containing sodium azide for extended shelf-life and anti-contamination protection.
• Versatile compatibility with various staining protocols.

Applications:

• Routine immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.
• Use with both frozen and FFPE tissue sections.
• Ideal for samples with moderate non-specific binding.

Comparison of Use Cases

General Benefits

1. Minimized Background Signal: Both buffers effectively reduce non-specific antibody binding, enhancing the quality of IHC/ICC results.
2. Dual Use: These buffers can be used for blocking and as diluents for antibody solutions.
3. Ease of Use: Ready-to-use liquid formulation simplifies workflows in diagnostic and research laboratories.
4. Versatility: Compatible with various tissue types (FFPE, frozen) and staining methods.

The eBioscience IHC/ICC Blocking Buffers provide targeted solutions for optimizing IHC and ICC staining protocols. The High Protein buffer is ideal for difficult samples with high background staining, while the Low Protein buffer is suitable for routine applications with moderate staining challenges. Both buffers are essential tools for achieving clear and accurate immunostaining results.