Blocking Buffer, TBS with 5% Milk

GeneTex

Blocking Buffer, TBS with 5% Milk

10

Research Use Only

GeneTexs WB Blocking Buffer is a ready-to-use 5% solution of nonfat powdered milk in Tris-buffered saline for using in Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and other detection methods.The purpose of the blocking step in an assay is to improve assay sensitivity by reducing background interference. However, unforeseen cross-reaction of detection reagents with blocking buffers is itself a cause of high background and low signal-to-noise ratios in assay systems. Because individual blocking buffers are not compatible with every system, a variety of blockers in both Tris-buffered saline (TBS) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) are available. The best blocking buffer for a specific experiment will bind to all potential sites of nonspecific interaction, eliminating background without altering or obscuring the epitope for antibody binding.To optimize the blocking step for a particular immunoassay, empirical testing is essential. Using inadequate amounts of blocker will result in excessive background. Using an excessive blocker concentration can mask antibody-antigen interactions or inhibit the marker enzyme. For best results when developing a new immunoassay, test several different blocking agents for the highest signal-to-noise ratio in the assay. There is no single blocking agent that is ideal for every occasion because many factors can influence nonspecific binding, including various protein interactions unique to a specific assay system.Features and Benefits: - Popular - nonfat milk has been used for many years in a variety of protein methods, although it is not recommended for avidin-based techniques because it contains some endogenous biotin - Convenient - supplied as a ready-to-use 1X TBS solution; can be diluted as needed - Easy to use - formulated with anti-foaming agent and thimerosal-free preservative - Flexible - may be used for multiple applications, including as a diluent for antibody

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