Reagent FAQ

To help you navigate Creative Biolabs' product line, we've addressed key questions about the primary and secondary antibodies, recombinant proteins, signal inhibitors/activators, and research compounds. We emphasize their quality, customization options, and applications in various research fields.

Primary Antibodies

Q: How to Choose the Right Primary Antibody?

A:

• Specificity Matters
  • Make sure the antibody binds only to your target protein, with minimal cross-reactivity.
  • Tip: Check if the datasheet includes knockout/knockdown validation for extra confidence.
• Match Your Experimental Needs
  • Not all antibodies work for every technique! Confirm it's validated for your application (e.g., WB, IHC, flow cytometry).
  • Our tip: We provide application-specific testing data to help you decide.
• Host Species & Clonality
  • Host species (e.g., rabbit, mouse) should avoid interference with your sample (e.g., don't use mouse antibodies on mouse tissues).
  • Monoclonal (high specificity) vs. polyclonal (broader detection)—pick based on your goals.
• Trust but Verify
  • Always check validation data! Look for details on immunogen, reactivity, and performance in tests similar to yours.
  • Our promise: We offer detailed datasheets so you know exactly what you're getting.

Q: To keep my primary antibodies stable for as long as possible, how should I store them?

A:

• Most antibodies are shipped at 4°C but should be stored at -20°C for long-term use (aliquoting helps avoid freeze-thaw cycles!).
• For frequently used antibodies, keep a small working aliquot at 4°C to minimize repeated freezing.

Secondary Antibodies

Q: What kinds of secondary antibody conjugates do you offer?

A:

• Enzyme Conjugates (e.g., HRP) – Perfect for Western blots and ELISA, giving you that crisp, clear band or colorimetric readout.
• Fluorescent Conjugates (e.g., FITC, Cy3) – Ideal for flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, or dazzling confocal microscopy images.
• Biotin Conjugates – Super-sensitive detection when paired with streptavidin, great for low-abundance targets.

Recombinant Proteins

Q: Why use recombinant proteins over native ones?

A: Recombinant proteins are like the "designer versions" of natural proteins—here's why researchers love them:

• No More Batch Variability – High purity and consistency mean reproducible results every time. (We run strict QC to guarantee it!)
• Precision Engineering – Want a His-tag for easy purification? Need a phosphorylation mimic? We can customize it.
• Scalability – Need large quantities? Recombinant tech lets us produce way more than traditional extraction methods.

Q: What if my recombinant protein isn't soluble?

A: Don't panic! Some proteins (especially membrane-bound ones) are tricky. Try:

• Optimizing expression conditions (lower temp, different host).
• Using solubilization buffers (our team can recommend the best ones).

Signal Inhibitors & Activators

Q: How do signal inhibitors/activators work, and when should I use them?

A: Think of these as the "volume knobs" for cellular pathways:

• Inhibitors – Mute specific signals (e.g., blocking a kinase to study its role in cancer).
• Activators – Turn up pathway activity (e.g., stimulating immune responses).

Common uses: Cancer research, immunology, neuroscience—anywhere signaling matters!

Q: How do I determine the right concentration for my experiment?

A:

• Start with the literature or our datasheet recommendations, then test a dose range.
• Watch out for cytotoxicity! Always include a vehicle control (e.g., DMSO).

Research Compounds

Q: What types of research compounds does Creative Biolabs offer?

A:

• Small Molecules – Compact but mighty modulators of biological processes.
• Peptides – Short, customizable chains for probing protein interactions.
• Natural Products – Unique structures from nature's own chemical library.

Q: Can I request a custom compound or derivative?

A: Absolutely! Our custom synthesis team can design, modify, or optimize compounds for your needs.

Troubleshooting

Here are quick fixes for common issues:

1. Weak or No Signal?

• Primary Antibody:
  • Too diluted? Try a higher concentration or longer incubation (4°C overnight often helps!).
  • Old or improperly stored? Check expiration dates and avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
• Secondary Antibody:
  • Forgot to block? Non-specific binding can drown your signal—use 5% BSA or serum for 1 hour.
  • Wrong host? Double-check that your secondary matches the primary's species (e.g., anti-rabbit for rabbit primaries).

2. High Background?

• Wash harder! Increase PBS/Tween-20 washes (3x5 min) to remove unbound antibodies.
• Overfixed samples? Try shorter fixation times—especially for IHC/IF.

3. Recombinant Protein Not Behaving?

• Aggregating? Spin it down cold (4°C, 14,000 rpm) and aliquot it before use.
• Lost activity? Check storage conditions—some proteins need glycerol or reducing agents.

4. Inhibitor/Activator Not Working?

• Timing off? Pre-treat cells before stimulation (or vice versa)—kinetics matter!
• Dose too low? Consult literature for IC50/EC50 values and test a range.

Research isn't always smooth sailing - we get it. Whether you're troubleshooting an experiment or just need advice, our team at Creative Biolabs is here to help. Your breakthrough is our mission.