FAQ - How should I store my antibody?

Shipping Conditions

• All SYSY antibodies and control proteins/peptides are shipped lyophilized (vacuum freeze-dried). In this form, they remain stable without loss of quality at ambient temperatures for several weeks.

Storage of Sealed Vials after Delivery

• Unlabeled and biotin-labeled antibodies and control proteins should be stored at 4°C before reconstitution. Do not freeze lyophilized antibodies. Temperatures below 0°C may impair performance.
• Fluorescence-labeled antibodies should be reconstituted immediately upon receipt. Long-term storage of lyophilized fluorophore-conjugates may cause aggregation.
• Control peptides should be stored at -20°C before reconstitution.

Long Term Storage after Reconstitution (General Considerations)

• Do not use frost-free (“no-frost”) freezers. These units periodically warm to remove ice buildup, causing freeze–thaw cycles that can damage antibodies.
• Store vials in areas with minimal temperature fluctuation - preferably toward the back of the freezer, not on the door.
• Aliquot reconstituted antibodies and store at –20°C to –80°C.
• Avoid very small aliquots (<20 µL), as evaporation and adsorption to tube surfaces can reduce antibody concentration and activity.
• Use the smallest practical storage vial to minimize surface area.
• Adding glycerol to a final concentration of 50% prevents freezing at -20°C, allowing storage in liquid form and effectively avoiding freeze–thaw cycles.

Product Specific Hints for Storage

Control proteins / peptides

• Store at -20°C to -80°C

Monoclonal Antibodies

• Ascites and hybridoma supernatant: Store at -20°C to -80°C
  Prolonged storage at 4°C is not recommended, as proteases present in ascites may degrade antibodies.
• Purified IgG: Store at -20°C to -80°C
  Adding a carrier protein (e.g., BSA) enhances long-term stability.
  Many SYSY antibodies already contain carrier proteins - refer to the respective datasheet for details.

Polyclonal Antibodies

• Crude antisera: Can be stored at 4°C with antimicrobials added, but -20°C to -80°C is preferred
• Affinity-purified antibodies: Less stable than antisera; store at -20°C to -80°C
  Adding a carrier protein such as BSA improves long-term stability.
  Most SYSY antibodies already contain carrier proteins - refer to the respective datasheet for details.

Fluorescence-labeled Antibodies

• Store as a liquid with 1:1 (v/v) glycerol at -20°C, and protect from light exposure

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles for all antibodies!