New imaging tools include a signal enhancer for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in tissues and cells visualised through immunofluorescence techniques
Molecular Probes will be introducing two new products which are part of the Invitrogen detection technologies range at this year's MicroScience (6-8 July; Excel, London).
Both Image-iTT FX signal enhancer and Prolong Gold antifade reagent are designed to significantly improve the quality of fluorescence images.
They were developed to overcome two problems common to many imaging applications: non-specific binding of fluorescent reagents and photobleaching of fluorophores.
Image-iT FX signal enhancer is a unique and highly effective solution for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in tissues and cells visualised through immunofluorescence techniques.
Applied directly to fixed and permeabilised samples prior to staining, the reagent largely eliminates the background staining often seen with fluorescent conjugates of streptavidin, goat anti-mouse, or goat anti-rabbit IgG, allowing clear visualisation of targets that would normally be indistinguishable.
Image-iT FX signal enhancer may also effectively prevent non-specific staining that is typically blocked with 1-2% BSA or 10% serum treatment, thus eliminating the need for another step in the staining protocol.
Prolong Gold antifade reagent was developed to further enhance the successful Prolong antifade reagent.
It dramatically increases the stability of fluorescent signals, extending the time available for imaging. The formulation is unique in that it can be applied directly from the bottle, requiring no mixing or dilution before use.
The reagent causes little or no quenching of fluorescence, and cures within 24 hours of application; samples can be saved for months after mounting.
Prolong Gold reagent offers excellent compatibility with a multitude of dyes and dye complexes, making it an especially valuable tool for multicolour applications.
