If you’re a lab professional, you understand the challenge. It’s hard to know which ELISA blocker to choose, given the growing number of commercially available ELISA blockers, as well as the variability in efficiency and performance across the marketplace. Choosing the right one often comes down to fully understanding the factors that determine ELISA plate blocking – especially the stabilizing processes involved.
The sample-interactive surfaces of most immunoassay tests are treated with a blocking agent. It has a short-term objective of covering the areas of the surface unoccupied by antibody or antigen structures. This also prevents assay reactants from taking up those vacant areas. Additionally, the blocking agent stabilizes the sticky constant region of antibodies. This occurs without interfering with its antigen binding sites. Should the assay require dry-state long term sample storage, use of an ELISA blocker is essential.
Your choice of a blocker/stabilizer depends on the antibody/antigen result required. Here are four scenarios and the recommended blocker/stabilizer choice.
Successful enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or ELISA format development processes demand the appropriate blocking of antigen or antibody plates. It starts with selecting the most effective and efficient solution.
ImmunoChemistry Technologies currently offers a variety of blocking buffers, including an optimization pack that features five 100 mL bottles of our different Blocking Buffer formulations (General Block, Neptune Block, SynBlock, Alternative Block, and Monster Block) for an economical approach to screening for the best blocking buffer for an ELISA.