One for All: the Universal Buffer

We proudly present our novel, patent-pending R-Universal (R stands for Retriever) buffer for antigen unmasking/epitope recovery on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded sections[1]. Being specifically developed for 2100 Retriever, it was thoroughly tested in pathology labs across the UK, and is now available for all users of Retriever and other researchers who work with routine tissue material.

Why the Universal Buffer?

Epitope recovery on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections, requires heatinduced treatment in buffer or, sometimes, proteolytic treatment of the deparaffinized tissue section. Which buffer to use, greatly depends on the exact antibody and the properties of the recognized epitope, therefore, one can find in literature and practice use of many buffers, including Citrate pH 3.4, Citrate 6.0, EDTA 8.0, Tris 9.0- 10.0, TrisEDTA, etc. Moreover, for individual antigens also the time of recovery in the individual buffer should be defined, as this may be different, and the treatment often destroys the epitope. Aptum offers a novel (patent-pending) technology for epitope recovery, primarily based on reversing the fixation effects of formaldehyde, which created links primarily between ε-amino groups of lysine and other amino-groups. The buffer was extensively tested in pathology Departments in United Kingdom, and has shown excellent results when used with different antibodies, including those that normally require for successful staining treatment only in Low, or only High pH buffers, or require protolithic treatment. Universal Buffer may be used in any heat-induced epitope recovery system (the time and temperature of treatment should be tested), but was specifically adjusted for tissue sections processing in 2100 Retriever (www.antigen-retriever.com). Using Universal Buffer in Retriever guarantees the highest rate of success in recovering epitope for any antibody, especially one that was never previously used on formalin-fixed sections.

Properties

Clear, non-toxic solution. May be slightly irritable for sensitive skin and eyes. Please wear gloves while handling the 10x stock.

Presentation

R-Universal Buffer is supplied as 10x concentrate. For epitope recovery dilute 1 part of stock with 9 parts of deionized water.

Application

Place deparaffinized sections into slide chamber, fill the buffer until the frosted part of the glass (50 to 70 ml of ready buffer for a chamber, depends on the load). Run a recovery cycle in 2100 Retriever according to its Manual. We recommend using 2100 Retriever, as the most accurately controlling refolding of the protein. If you use another system, please calibrate the time required for processing; it may depend on your unit temperature and pressure.

Stability and Storage

The preparation is stable for 1 year when stored unopened at +40C. Every lot is issued with a certificate indicating the expiry date. After opening, store at +40C in the refrigerator and use within 6 months.

Certification

Each lot is certified for compliance to specifications. The product is produced under DIN EN ISO 9001 :2008 Quality Management system for the products in Immunoassay Development and Measurement, Products for Bioanalytics and lmmunoassays.