Enhancing Antigen Retrieval: Aptum’s R-Universal Buffer for Tissue Microarrays
- Sergey Litvinov
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Why R-Universal Buffer is Essential in Research
Aptum’s R-Universal buffer provides uniform and effective antigen retrieval across diverse tissue types. This buffer is widely used when processing tissue microarrays for immunohistochemistry, proteomics, and histological studies. It is particularly valuable in fields such as cancer research, neurology, and developmental biology. Common downstream applications include staining for phosphorylated proteins, cell differentiation markers, and oncogenic signaling molecules.
Importance of R-Universal Buffer in Tissue Analysis
An important application of the R-Universal buffer is in preparing tissue arrays. Research laboratories that analyze tissues from transgenic animals, experimental models, or collections of human samples significantly benefit from tissue arrays. They allow researchers to process and immunostain a large number of samples simultaneously in a single experiment. To support this vital work, Aptum offers a highly regarded Manual Tissue Arrayer, which is widely accepted by the research community.
Quality and Reliability of Antigen Retrieval
Tissue arrays are composed of carefully selected areas of specific tissues. These often include unique and irreplaceable samples. Therefore, a standardized and reliable antigen retrieval method is essential to preserve sample integrity. Such methods ensure high-quality immunostaining results. Using our 2100 Retriever has become a gold standard for antigen retrieval in the research community.
Optimal Processing Solutions
We also provide specialized tissue slides designed to covalently bind tissue sections. This ensures that they remain firmly attached and well-preserved during processing. Equally critical is the choice of retrieval buffer: R-Universal is a neutral pH buffer. It effectively reduces chemical cross-linking caused by fixatives, removes excess fixative, and eliminates metal ion deposits from formalin fixation. When used in combination with the 2100 Retriever, it helps proteins regain their native configuration (see also).
Case Studies Demonstrating R-Universal Buffer Effectiveness
To illustrate the effectiveness of R-Universal, below is a list of published studies showing its successful use for antigen retrieval in tissue arrays.
Luijerink, L., & Waters, K.A. (2021). Immunostaining for NeuN does not show all mature and healthy neurons in the human and pig brain: focus on the hippocampus. → Treatment of brain tissue microarrays with R-Universal buffer for NeuN staining.Read here
Rupp, C. et al. (2019). PP2A inhibitor PME-1 suppresses anoikis, and is associated with therapy relapse of PTEN-deficient prostate cancers. → Prostate cancer tissue arrays processed with R-Universal buffer before antibody staining.PDF Link
Demuth, T., et al. (2008). Glioma cells on the run–the migratory transcriptome of 10 human glioma cell lines. → Application of R-Universal buffer on glioma tissue microarrays for invasion analysis.PDF Full Text
Peng, Y., & Deutscher, S.L. (2017). Targeting aggressive prostate cancer-associated CD44v6 using phage display selected peptides. → Human prostate cancer TMAs treated with R-Universal buffer for imaging analysis.Full Text
Xu, Y., et al. (2024). Reconstitution of human PDAC using primary cells reveals oncogenic transcriptomic features at tumor onset. → Human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue arrays treated with R-Universal buffer for IHC.PDF Download
He, X., et al. (2004). Investigation of the thermal and tissue injury behavior in microwave thermal therapy using a porcine kidney model. → Antigen retrieval in tissue blocks and arrays was facilitated with R-Universal buffer.View Article
Isomursu, A., et al. (2023). PP2A methylesterase PME-1 suppresses anoikis and is associated with therapy relapse of PTEN-deficient prostate cancers. → PCa tissue microarrays underwent R-Universal buffer treatment before staining.PDF Access
Murphy, D., et al. (2010). Constitutively overexpressed 21 kDa protein in Hodgkin lymphoma and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas identified as cytochrome B5b (CYB5B). → TMAs processed using R-Universal buffer prior to proteomic analysis.Read Study
Prater, A.R., et al. (2017). Targeting aggressive prostate cancer-associated CD44v6 using phage display selected peptides. → Extensive R-Universal buffer use for TMA-based cancer biomarker analysis.Direct PDF
Conclusion
Aptum's R-Universal buffer is a crucial tool for researchers in various fields. Its effectiveness in preserving sample integrity during antigen retrieval makes it invaluable for obtaining accurate and reliable immunostaining results. As research evolves, utilizing systems like the R-Universal buffer will continue to enhance tissue analysis across a spectrum of scientific disciplines.
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