What are flow cytometry antibodies used for?
Flow cytometry antibodies are used to detect and quantify specific cellular markers, allowing researchers to analyze various characteristics of individual cells, such as protein expression, cell cycle stage, or signaling pathways.
How do fluorescently labeled antibodies work in flow cytometry?
Fluorescently labeled antibodies bind to specific cell markers. When the cells pass through the flow cytometer’s laser, the fluorophores emit light, which is detected and quantified to analyze the presence or level of the target marker.
Are these antibodies compatible with all flow cytometers?
Most flow cytometry antibodies are compatible with standard flow cytometers. However, compatibility may depend on the specific fluorophores and the laser/filter configuration of your instrument.
What types of fluorophores are available on these antibodies?
These antibodies are available with a variety of fluorophores, including FITC, PE, APC, and Alexa Fluor dyes, among others, to suit different experimental requirements.
Can these antibodies be used for multicolor experiments?
Yes, flow cytometry antibodies are designed for multicolor experiments. It’s important to choose antibodies with non-overlapping fluorophores to avoid spectral overlap.
Are these antibodies suitable for live-cell analysis?
Some flow cytometry antibodies are suitable for live-cell analysis, while others may require fixation and permeabilization. Check the product specifications for compatibility with live cells.
How do I choose the right antibody for my experiment?
Select an antibody based on your target marker, species reactivity, fluorophore compatibility with your flow cytometer, and the specific application (e.g., surface staining, intracellular staining).
What is the shelf life of these antibodies?
The shelf life of antibodies depends on the manufacturer and storage conditions. Proper storage, typically at 2-8°C or frozen for long-term use, is essential to maintain their activity.
Are these antibodies available for intracellular markers?
Yes, many flow cytometry antibodies are available for intracellular markers. These may require fixation and permeabilization steps to access intracellular components.
How should I store flow cytometry antibodies?
Store the antibodies as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually at 2-8°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to prevent loss of activity.
Can I use these antibodies for other applications like immunofluorescence or ELISA?
Some flow cytometry antibodies may be compatible with other applications, such as immunofluorescence or ELISA, but confirm the cross-application suitability in the product specifications.
Are these antibodies species-specific?
Yes, flow cytometry antibodies are species-specific. Ensure the antibody is validated for the species you are studying (e.g., human, mouse, or rat).
What is the difference between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for flow cytometry?
Monoclonal antibodies are specific to a single epitope and provide high specificity, while polyclonal antibodies target multiple epitopes and may offer higher signal intensity.