M Sodium Citrate Antigen Retrieval Solution(50×)

When cells or tissues are treated with aldehyde reagents like paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde, it can cause cross-linking between proteins and hide the antigenic sites of the sample. This can lead to weaker staining signals during immunostaining and even false positive results. To combat this issue, Citrate Antigen Retrieval Solution uses a sodium citrate buffer with a pH of 6.0 to remove the cross-links between proteins caused by aldehyde fixatives and fully expose the epitope of the antigen in the sample, thus improving the immunostaining effect. While paraffin sections require antigen retrieval, frozen sections don't. However, many studies have shown that the staining effect of frozen sections can also be significantly improved by antigen retrieval. Whether it's frozen sections or cell slides, antigen retrieval can effectively remove crosslinks between proteins and improve the immunostaining effect.

Solution

1. Paraffin section:
To remove the paraffin from the sections, we follow a deparaffinization process. First, the sections are placed in xylene for 2 rounds of 5 minutes each. This is followed by two rounds of 5 minutes in anhydrous ethanol. Next, the sections are soaked in 90% ethanol for another 2 rounds of 5 minutes each. Then, they are transferred to 70% ethanol for a total of 5 minutes. Finally, the sections are rinsed with distilled water, with two rounds of 5 minutes each. This entire procedure ensures the elimination of paraffin and prepares the sections for the subsequent steps.
To retrieve antigens in tissue samples, one can follow a simple protocol involving the use of antigen retrieval solution. First, immerse the slices in the solution (1×) and heat them at 95-100°C for 10-20 minutes, although the exact heating time may vary depending on the samples and target proteins. It's important to preheat the antigen retrieval solution to 95-100°C before use, and one can use either a water bath or microwave to heat it. When using the microwave, take care not to disturb the repair solution. After heating, allow the samples to cool down to room temperature gradually over 20-30 minutes. Wash the samples with immunostaining washing solution 1-2 times for 3-5 minutes each time. Once washed, proceed to the next steps such as blocking for immunostaining. This simple and reliable method can help reveal the antigens of interest in tissue samples.
2. Frozen sections: Wash the sections with immunostaining washing solution for 5 minutes. The process of antigen retrieval is like that of paraffin section.
3. Antigen retrieval of other samples can refer to the steps of paraffin section.

1. For your own safety, please protect yourself before using reagents, such as wearing lab coats and gloves.
2. Sodium citrate antigen retrieval solution (50×) must be diluted 50 times with re-distilled water or MilliQ water before use to prepare antigen retrieval solution (1×).

Store at 2~8° C. If you do not use it for a long time, please store it at -20°C. The validity period is 12 months.

Citrate Antigen Retrieval Solution