Frequently Asked Questions - StabilCoat and StabilGuard Stabilizers

What is the difference between StabilCoat and StabilGuard Stabilizers?

Both of the products maintain the conformation and biological activity of dried protein components in immunoassays. StabilCoat has a protein component, but StabilGuard contains no animal-source protein, eliminating the possibility of test interference or cross reactivity.

Note: StabilGuard is a very effective blocker and stabilizer.  When working with adsorbed proteins, if allowed to stay in the well too long, the StabilGuard can begin to desorb the protein coating.  Therefore, customers should take into consideration how long they block.  Diluting the StabilGuard 1:2 or even 1:4 is an option (do not dilute anymore than 1:4).

How should I handle my plates after stabilizing with StabilCoat or StabilGuard Stabilizer?

Plates must be dried quickly to ensure optimum stabilization. We recommend drying at 20% humidity and using moisture-proof packaging.

What is the difference between StabilCoat and StabilCoat Plus Stabilizers?

StabilCoat Immunoassay and StabilGuard Biomolecule Stabilizers maintain the activity of antibodies, enzymes, and antigens in the dry state, e.g., used in ELISAs. StabilCoat Plus and StabilGuard Choice Stabilizers provide optimum performance for both microsphere and protein microarray applications.  In addition, both StabilCoat Plus and StabilGuard Choice contain an azide- and mercury-free preservative that is a mixture of bromonitrodioxane and methylisothiazolone.

What is the difference between StabilGuard and StabilGuard Choice Stabilizers?

StabilGuard and StabilGuard Choice do not have bovine protein in their formulation. If you are currently using StabilCoat Immunoassay Stabilizer or StabilGuard Biomolecule Stabilizer for dry stabilization, there is no need to change to StabilCoat Plus or StabilGuard Choice Stabilizers.

What is the shelf life of the StabilCoat and StabilGuard Stabilizers when stored at 4°C?

What is the shelf life of a component (e.g., microtiter plate) coated with StabilCoat or StabilGuard Stabilizer?

Real-time studies indicate that a shelf life of 30 months at room temperature is achievable. Studies were based on a goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody.

What can be used to dilute StabilCoat and StabilGuard Stabilizers?

We recommend using the stabilizers undiluted for maximum stabilization.  However, in cases where you feel it may be necessary to dilute the products, StabilCoat and StabilGuard Stabilizers can be diluted in deionized water or PBS.

Will StabilCoat Stabilizer cause interference?

StabilCoat absorbs at 340 nm at use concentration. This is the same wavelength at which alcohol dehydrogenase absorbs. Therefore, dilution of the StabilCoat (1:1) in deionized water or PBS may resolve this problem.

What does it mean if StabilCoat or StabilGuard Stabilizer is turbid?

Turbidity in StabilCoat or StabilGuard is usually the result of contamination since the products have no preservative. If you are not aseptically aliquoting, we recommend you add a preservative, e.g., Proclin. 

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