Should You Look Into the 2100 Antigen Retriever?
- Sergey Litvinov
- Apr 25
- 2 min read

If you're considering a reliable, consistent, and lab-friendly system for heat-induced epitope retrieval in immunohistochemistry, the 2100 Antigen Retriever stands out. It offers automated precision, broad compatibility with tissue types, and minimal variability—a serious asset for both research and clinical pathology workflows.
To understand its comparative performance, real-world applications, and how it integrates with advanced diagnostics, check out the full critical review above. It compiles insights from top-tier, peer-reviewed studies and will help you decide whether this device fits your lab’s needs.
Overview
The 2100 Antigen Retriever is a laboratory device designed to standardize the heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) process critical in immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols. It offers automation, temperature control, and reproducibility, improving consistency in antigen unmasking from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. A critical review of its application in biomedical research reveals its growing acceptance due to ease of use and reliability, though comparative studies suggest results can be context-dependent, especially regarding tissue type and antibodies used.
Key Findings from Peer-Reviewed Research
Standardization and Efficiency
Haderk et al. (2018) described the use of the 2100 Antigen Retriever in immunohistochemistry of human YAP expression, noting that the system’s water-bath heating approach reduces batch variation and manual errors.
Haderk, F., Olivas, V., & Bivona, T. G. (2018). Immunohistochemistry to study YAP in human tissue samples. Springer Protocols. Link
Integration with Advanced Imaging
Brady et al. (2021) used the 2100 Antigen Retriever in spatial transcriptomics studies, showing compatibility with digital spatial profiling methods, which demand consistent antigen exposure across tissue arrays.
Brady, L. et al. (2021). Inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Nature Communications. PDF
Compatibility with Digital Pathology
Johnson et al. (2019) used the system in a study of immune profiling of CNS tissues. The 2100 was effective in high-throughput workflows for checkpoint inhibitor research.
Johnson, D. B. et al. (2019). Immune-related encephalitis. Nature Medicine. PDF
Future Considerations and AI Integration
Beuque et al. (2021) proposed potential for integration of the 2100 Retriever with AI-driven pathology systems, given its reproducibility and digital readiness.
Beuque, M. et al. (2021). Machine learning for dysplasia. Computers in Biology and Medicine. Link
Conclusion
The 2100 Antigen Retriever has been positively reviewed in peer-reviewed literature for its consistency, reproducibility, and compatibility with both standard and advanced histological workflows. It particularly excels in contexts requiring automated, high-throughput, and temperature-controlled epitope retrieval. However, careful optimization of buffer systems and retrieval times is often necessary based on tissue type and staining target.
Comments