Kit & Assay FAQ
Research made easier with Creative Biolabs – your trusted partner for high-quality, user-friendly Kits & Assays.
ELISA Kits
Q: How do ELISA kits work?
A:
- Setting the Trap (Coating): We've pre-coated the plate's tiny wells with special antibodies that act like little magnets for your target molecule.
- Blocking False Leads (Blocking): We add a clever buffer that blocks any "fake clues"—this ensures only the real target gets caught, keeping your results trustworthy.
- Adding Your Sample (Incubation): When you introduce your sample, the target molecules get grabbed by those waiting antibodies—like a lock finding its key.
- Calling for Backup (Detection Antibody): A second antibody (this one tagged with an enzyme) arrives and latches onto the captured molecules, ready to signal their presence.
- The Big Reveal (Substrate Reaction): We add a special solution that reacts with the enzyme, creating a visible color change—the more target molecules present, the stronger the color!
- Crunching the Numbers (Measurement): Finally, we measure how intense the color is, translating it into precise numbers that tell you exactly how much of your target is in the sample.
Q: Help—my signal is weaker than expected! What should I do?
A: No worries! First, double-check your sample prep and incubation times. Some of the time, all you need is a little tweak (re-dilution or more incubation time) to make your signal shine.
Antibody Conjugation Kits
Q: Why use antibody conjugation kits?
A: These are your antibodies' superhero gear - turning invisible targets into detectable signals!
With our kits, you can:
- Spot the invisible: Attach colorful fluorescent dyes (like FITC) to make hidden molecules glow under a microscope
- Quantify with ease: Add enzyme tags (like HRP) that create measurable signals in your experiments
- Track multiple targets at once: Use different tags to follow several molecules simultaneously
These are especially handy when you need custom-labeled antibodies but don't want to spend weeks optimizing protocols. Just follow our instructions, and you'll have working conjugated antibodies in no time!
Protein Purification Resins
Q: What are protein purification resins, and how do they help?
A: Imagine having a magic tool that plucks just your protein from a messy mix - that's what our resins do! Creative Biolabs provides several resins for your choice:
- Affinity Resins: These resins bind to specific tags on the protein (e.g., His-tag, GST-tag) or to specific ligands (e.g., antibodies, lectins).
- Ion Exchange Resins: These resins separate proteins based on their charge, and we offer general-purpose and ion-exchange resins.
- Size Exclusion Resins: These resins separate proteins based on their size.
- Hydrophobic Interaction Resins: These resins separate proteins based on their hydrophobic properties.
- Metal Chelate Resins: These resins separate proteins based on their affinity for metal ions.
- Mixed-Mode Resins: These resins utilize a combination of separation mechanisms (e.g., ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction).
- Prepacked Columns: Ready-to-use columns for convenient and efficient protein purification.
- Magnetic Resins: Resins with magnetic properties for easy separation using magnetic fields.
- Expanded Bed Adsorption Resins: Resins used for direct capture of target proteins from unclarified feedstocks.
Whether you're working with antibodies, enzymes, or recombinant proteins, our resins deliver high purity and yield.
Q: Which resin is best for my protein?
A: It depends on your protein's properties! If it has a tag, affinity resins are ideal. For untagged proteins, ion exchange or hydrophobic interaction resins may work better. Need help deciding? Just ask!
Troubleshooting
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ELISA Kits
Problem: No signal or very weak signal
Possible causes & fixes:- Antibodies too diluted? Try a higher concentration—sometimes the manual's suggested dilution isn't perfect for every sample.
- Short incubation time? Give your samples a little extra time to bind—patience pays off!
- Expired or improperly stored reagents? Check the kit's expiration date and make sure everything was stored correctly (no accidental freeze-thaw cycles!).
Possible causes & fixes:- Blocking not thorough enough? Extend blocking time or try a different blocking buffer (BSA or milk can sometimes work better).
- Wash steps skipped or rushed? Be diligent with those washes—they remove unbound antibodies and reduce false positives.
- Contaminated samples? Make sure your samples are clean and free of debris.
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Antibody Conjugation Kits
Problem: Low labeling efficiency
Possible causes & fixes:- Antibody concentration too low? Ensure your antibody is at the right concentration before labeling.
- Reaction time too short? Some dyes need extra time—check the protocol and adjust if needed.
- Old or improperly stored dye? Fresh is best! Keep dyes protected from light and moisture.
Possible causes & fixes:- Buffer mismatch? Make sure the conjugation buffer is compatible with your antibody.
- Over-conjugation? Too much dye can cause clumping—try reducing the dye-to-antibody ratio.
- Need a cleanup step? A quick spin column or dialysis can remove excess dye and aggregates.
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Protein Purification Resins
Problem: Low protein yield
Possible causes & fixes:- Resin overloaded? If you're trying to purify too much protein at once, some might not bind—reduce your sample load.
- Wrong binding conditions? Check pH and salt concentration—some proteins need gentle adjustments.
- Protein sticking to the column? Try adding a mild detergent or changing the elution buffer.
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Problem: Impure final product
Possible causes & fixes:- Not enough washes? Increase wash steps to remove weakly bound contaminants.
- Wrong resin choice? If your protein isn't tagged, try ion exchange or size exclusion instead.
- Sample too dirty? Pre-clearing with a quick spin or filtration can help before loading onto the resin.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team at Creative Biolabs for expert advice. Happy researching!
