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10 December, 2023 by Anshul (neobio)
Are you constantly grappling with the challenge of maintaining the stability and activity of your monoclonal antibodies for consistent, reliable results? Understanding how to store monoclonal antibodies can mean the difference between a successful and a failed experiment. And in the age of advanced biological therapies, when these lab-made marvels are being used to combat deadly diseases like COVID-19, proper storage is not just a lab issue—it’s a highly relevant concern that impacts therapeutic progress and patient outcomes.
For lab professionals and research scientists like you, monoclonal antibodies are invaluable tools. These lab-produced molecules imitate your body’s natural disease-fighters and play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases. Keeping them effective, though, requires a clear understanding of their fragile nature and the exacting requirements of their storage.
Made to mimic the human immune response, monoclonal antibodies are produced in a lab and carefully calibrated to target specific antigens. From contributing to COVID-19 treatments to being key players in various laboratory and scientific applications like Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Western Blotting, or Immunofluorescence, monoclonal antibodies have become backbone of innovation, emphasizing the value of preserving their stability and potency through proper storage.
Key Points at a Glance
As we delve deeper into the concept of how to store monoclonal antibodies, it is important to understand the fundamental aspects of storage. These include the ideal temperature for storage, the role of freeze-thaw cycles, and the impact of antibody concentration on storage.
The temperature at which monoclonal antibodies are stored plays a critical role in preserving their stability and viability. Most antibodies are remarkably stable and can retain their binding capacity even when stored at -20°C for years. However, for certain applications, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are stored at even lower temperatures, ranging from -20°C to -80°C (NeoBiotechnologies).
The reason behind these ultra-low temperatures is that they provide increased stability and reduced microbial growth. On the other hand, storing antibodies at room temperature is generally not advised for extended periods, although they can withstand up to a week at room temperature without significant loss of activity.
Freeze-thaw cycles refer to the process where a substance is repeatedly frozen and thawed. For antibodies, this process can be detrimental and may lead to a loss in their binding capacity. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid storing antibodies in frost-free freezers which undergo cycles of temperature fluctuation to prevent ice build-up.
The best practice is to aliquot antibodies into smaller volumes that can be used once and then discarded, thereby avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Store these aliquots in the back of the freezer, away from the door, as this area is less exposed to temperature fluctuations.
The concentration of antibodies can also significantly impact their storage. Highly concentrated antibodies tend to be more stable during storage. However, when diluted, antibodies may lose their activity more quickly, especially if stored at higher temperatures (4°C).
In a study published in PubMed, it was found that when highly diluted antibody was stored at 4°C, the activity was lost within 2 weeks if carrier proteins were not added. This underlines the importance of considering antibody concentration when planning for storage.
In the next section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to store monoclonal antibodies efficiently and effectively.
Storing monoclonal antibodies properly can be a way to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Follow these five simple steps to maximize their performance in your research.
Before you store your antibodies, it’s crucial to prepare them correctly. Antibodies should be centrifuged at 1000 x g for 20 minutes to remove precipitates. If necessary, filter the antibodies through a low protein binding 0.2 μm filter.
Aliquoting is a critical step in antibody storage. To prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause protein denaturation and decrease antibody activity, divide your antibodies into small aliquots. This way, you can thaw only what you need for your experiment, and the rest can stay stored in optimal conditions.
The storage temperature for monoclonal antibodies can vary depending on the specific antibody and its intended use. However, most antibodies can be stored at -20°C without any loss in their binding capacity. Dr. Atul K. Tandon, the founder and CEO of NeoBiotechnologies, suggests that it’s also advisable to store antibodies at -80°C for longer-term storage.
The location of your antibodies in the refrigerator or freezer is just as important as the temperature. Keep them in the back of the fridge or freezer, as this area is less exposed to temperature fluctuations than the front or the door. It’s also recommended to avoid storing aliquots in frost-free freezers, as they undergo cycles of temperature fluctuation to avoid build-up of ice.
For long-term storage (more than a year), you should store your monoclonal antibodies at -80°C. For short-term storage (up to a few weeks), you can store them at 4°C. However, be aware that antibodies stored at 4°C might lose their activity over time if they’re not supplemented with carrier proteins.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your monoclonal antibodies remain effective and ready for use in your research. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific storage guidelines.
When it comes to storing monoclonal antibodies, there are several important factors that you need to consider. Let’s look at three special considerations: storing monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment, the role of carrier proteins in antibody storage, and using sodium azide for antibody preservation.
Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against COVID-19. In particular, the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for monoclonal antibody treatment for eligible patients, typically those with weakened immune systems and/or those at high risk for severe illnesses associated with COVID-19.
For this treatment, it’s recommended that unopened vials of monoclonal antibodies be kept refrigerated between 2 and 8ºC. Companies like Accucold provide refrigeration solutions specifically designed for the storage of monoclonal antibodies, offering the perfect conditions to maintain their stability.
Carrier proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of monoclonal antibodies during storage. If an antibody concentration is low, stabilizer proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) can be added to the antibody solution to prevent degradation. These proteins not only stabilize the antibodies but also minimize loss due to binding to the vessel wall.
However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t add stabilizing protein to the antibodies you intend to conjugate because it will compete with the antibody and reduce the conjugation efficiency.
Sodium azide is often used as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination in antibody solutions. You can add it to a final concentration of 0.02% (w/v) for this purpose.
However, sodium azide should be avoided when staining or treating live cells with antibodies or conducting in vivo studies. It interferes with any conjugation involving an amine group and should be removed before proceeding with the conjugation. Also, note that sodium azide inhibits horseradish peroxidase (HRP), so it’s not suitable for HRP-conjugated antibodies.
Understanding how to store monoclonal antibodies properly is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of these critical research tools. Following these guidelines will help ensure you get the most out of your monoclonal antibodies and contribute to the success of your research.
As we have seen, understanding how to store monoclonal antibodies properly is critical for maintaining their integrity and effectiveness. These storage practices are crucial in research, with applications such as Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Western Blotting, or Immunofluorescence depending heavily on the quality and stability of these antibodies.
The storage temperature plays a significant role, with most antibodies being stable when stored at -20 °C. The location within the fridge or freezer also matters, as it’s best to store them in the back to avoid temperature fluctuations. Moreover, antibody concentration and the use of carrier proteins or preservatives like sodium azide can influence the stability and longevity of the antibodies.
In the case of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment, specific storage requirements apply, such as refrigeration between 2 and 8ºC.
The science of monoclonal antibodies is complex, but the storage doesn’t have to be. By following these simple steps, you can ensure the potency and reliability of your antibodies, whether for research purposes or therapeutic applications.
The key to successful storage lies in understanding the specific requirements of your antibodies and adhering to these guidelines. Your research is as good as the tools you use, and proper storage of monoclonal antibodies is a vital part of this process.
For more information about monoclonal antibodies, their applications, and how to validate them, explore the range of resources available on the NeoBiotechnologies website. You can also check out our Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies for highly validated and monospecific antibodies ideal for various applications.
