Innovative Kits Enhance Antibody Labeling for Flow Cytometry and Western Blot Applications
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIO.B), a renowned global provider of life science research and clinical diagnostic solutions, has introduced its latest offerings, the TrailBlazer Tag and TrailBlazer StarBright Dye Label Kits. These new kits simplify the process of antibody labeling with Bio-Rad’s StarBright Dyes, catering to researchers working with flow cytometry and fluorescent western blot techniques.
Designed to provide greater flexibility and efficiency, the two-kit system enables scientists from academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms to access Bio-Rad’s StarBright Blue and StarBright Violet Dyes. The technology behind these kits leverages Bio-Rad’s SpyTag and SpyCatcher system to conjugate dyes to antibodies, allowing users to create customized, high-plex panels for flow cytometry. Additionally, the kits streamline multiplex integration for fluorescent western blot applications, offering enhanced precision and flexibility in experimental design.
Expanding Color Palette and Simplified Workflow for Researchers
The introduction of the TrailBlazer Tag and StarBright Dye Label Kits aligns with the needs of researchers requiring customizable solutions for multiplex experiments. According to Hilary Mavor, Marketing Director of Bio-Rad’s Life Science Group, the kits offer a variety of label color options and provide access to the StarBright Blue and StarBright Violet Dyes, with plans to expand the available dye selection in the future.
Mavor emphasized that the kits feature a user-friendly protocol with minimal hands-on time, ensuring an efficient labeling process that consistently delivers high-quality conjugated antibodies. By simplifying the workflow and reducing the risk of human error, these kits empower researchers to generate accurate and reproducible results with ease.
Enhanced Fluorescent Detection with StarBright Dyes
Bio-Rad’s proprietary StarBright Dyes, which are fluorescent nanoparticles conjugated to antibodies targeting key immunological markers, provide exceptional brightness and narrow excitation and emission profiles. This design enhances resolution precision and minimizes spectral spillover, making the dyes highly effective for flow cytometry applications. The dyes are compatible with various experimental protocols and flow cytometers, including Bio-Rad’s ZE5 Cell Analyzer, without requiring special buffers.
For fluorescent western blot applications, the StarBright Blue 700 and 520 dyes are optimized for use with Bio-Rad’s ChemiDoc™ MP and ChemiDoc Go Imagers. These dyes are pre-labeled to anti-mouse and anti-rabbit secondary antibodies, facilitating bright and highly sensitive detection with shorter exposure times. By offering a seamless and efficient approach to fluorescence-based experiments, the new kits reinforce Bio-Rad’s commitment to providing cutting-edge tools that advance scientific research.
With the introduction of the TrailBlazer Tag and StarBright Dye Label Kits, Bio-Rad continues to enhance its portfolio of life science innovations, equipping researchers with the tools needed to achieve high-precision results in their studies.
