Product introduction: BlockAce

In immunology experiments, blocking agents are the reagent used to prevent antibodies from binding non- specifically. Blocking agents play the role of blocking sites where antibodies should not bind, suppressing non-specific reactions and enhancing the reliability of experimental results.

There are various types of blocking agents, including protein-based (e.g., skim milk, BSA, and casein), synthetic polymer-based (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol), and non-protein-based options. Blocking agents are generally used in diluted form, and the dilution ratio and blocking time vary depending on the types of blocking agent and the experimental methods (e.g., ELISA, Western blotting).

The selection of a blocking agent depends on the type of experiment, the antibodies used, and the target protein of interest. Performing blocking appropriately helps to suppress non-specific background reactions and to allow for more accurate detection of the binding between the target antibody and protein.

It is advisable to refer to the following when choosing and using blocking agents:

• Type of experiment: The optimal blocking agent differs depending on the experimental method, such as ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
• Antibodies used: The type of antibody (primary, secondary) and its specificity determin the appropriate blocking agent.
• Target protein of interest: The nature of the target protein (e.g., phosphorylated, glycoprotein) may require the use of a blocking agent that does not contain glycoproteins.
• Type of blocking agent: Protein-based, synthetic polymer-based, and non-protein-based agents each have unique characteristics that should be considered during selection.

Since blocking agents play a crucial role in immunology experiments, it is essential to choose the right blocking agent and use it in an appropriate manner.

Hence, we would like to introduce “Block Ace”, a novel blocking agent for immunology experiments!
(https://www.wakenbtech.co.jp/eng/products/consumables/block-ace/)

This product is made from milk protein and is a novel blocking agent for immunology experiments. Since milk protein contains many hydrophobic groups, it shows high affinity to plastic and membrane filters.

Therefore, compared with conventional blocking agents such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), it is suitable for blocking non-specific binding of antigens or antibodies when conducting ELISA and Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and an immunoblotting method.

Key characteristics

Since this product has high blocking effecacy and maintains the background at a low level, it is useful for low-concentration measurements such as ELISA.

• ・It is heat-treated and bovine-derived antibody, enzyme and viruses are inactivated.
• ・It is stable for heat and freezing.
• ・It can stabilize physiologically active substances and can be used as a diluting agent.
• ・Compared with BSA solution, it is economical.
• ・It can be rapidly dissolved in water.

Comparison of blocking effects between Block Ace and 1% BSA solution

Anti-human kappa chain antibody and anti-human ramda chain are coated, and it is blocked with either Block Ace or 1% BSA. Human IgG ELISA demonstrates that Block Ace has low background and steep standard curve.

Block Ace is Easy to use, Reduce non-specific binding and Reliable consistent formulation!

If you have any interests or questions about Block Ace, please feel free to contact us!