Immunofluorescence on R-Universal Retrieved Sections

Using R-Universal for preparing fixed and embedded tissue sections offers two major advantages for subsequent immunofluorescence applications:

·       Reduced Background Fluorescence:R-Universal effectively eliminates residual fixative that typically remains after standard retrieval methods (such as citrate or Tris-EDTA buffers). This significantly reduces background fluorescence across all channels, leading to cleaner, more reliable imaging.

·       Broad Epitope Recovery for Multiplex Staining:R-Universal is highly effective in recovering a wide range of epitopes—especially important today, as most antibodies are generated against peptide epitopes or bacterial recombinant proteins. This makes R-Universal an excellent choice for multicolor or multiplex immunofluorescence staining.

Below is a selection of peer-reviewed articles where R-Universal buffer was used for epitope recovery prior to immunofluorescence staining, showcasing its versatility and performance in diverse research applications.

We illustrate the statement with this excellent image of triple staining on R-Universal retrieved section from Patel, V.N., et al (2024). Specific 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate domains regulate salivary gland basement membrane metabolism and epithelial differentiation. Nat Commun 15, 7584. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51862-0. Please see the article for more detail.

Alanko, V. et al. (2023).27‐hydroxycholesterol promotes oligodendrocyte maturation: implications for hypercholesterolemia‐associated brain white matter changes.➔ Used R-Universal buffer for immunofluorescence of mouse brain sections.Full text (Wiley)

Heinzelmann, K. et al. (2018).Cell-surface phenotyping identifies CD36 and CD97 as novel markers of fibroblast quiescence in lung fibrosis.➔ Heat-induced treatment with R-Universal buffer for lung tissue immunofluorescence.Full text (American Journal of Physiology - Lung)

Brinkmann, V. et al. (2016).Immunodetection of NETs in paraffin-embedded tissue.➔ Antigen retrieval with R-Universal buffer for immunofluorescence detection of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).Full text (Frontiers in Immunology)

Noack, L. et al. (2022).Acute Intoxication With Alcohol Reduces Trauma-Induced Proinflammatory Response and Barrier Breakdown in the Lung via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.➔ Used R-Universal buffer for lung immunofluorescence staining.Full text (Frontiers in Immunology)

Noskovičová, N. et al. (2018).Cub domain-containing protein 1 negatively regulates TGF-β signaling and myofibroblast differentiation.➔ R-Universal buffer for paraffin section antigen retrieval before immunofluorescence.Full text (American Journal of Physiology - Lung)

Rochman, M. et al. (2023).The minichromosome maintenance complex drives esophageal basal zone hyperplasia.➔ R-Universal buffer used for immunofluorescence of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.Full text (JCI Insight)

Luijerink, L. & Waters, K.A. (2021).Immunostaining for NeuN does not show all mature and healthy neurons in the human and pig brain.➔ R-Universal buffer applied for antigen retrieval prior to immunofluorescence.Full text (Applied Immunohistochemistry & Molecular Morphology)

Patel, V.N. et al. (2024).Specific 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate domains regulate salivary gland basement membrane metabolism and epithelial differentiation.➔ Immunofluorescence analysis after heat-mediated retrieval using R-Universal buffer.Full text (Nature Communications)

As demonstrated in these studies, R-Universal buffer consistently delivers outstanding results for heat-mediated antigen retrieval in immunofluorescence staining. Researchers across fields such as fibrosis, neurology, cancer, and trauma biology trust R-Universal for high-quality, reliable results. It has been successfully used on a wide range of tissues, including lung, brain, esophagus, salivary glands, placenta, and immune tissues.

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