Antibody Validation
Antibodies are indispensable tools for basic life science research and drug development. However, in recent years, the quality of commercially available antibodies has come under scrutiny as researchers have been discovering that many antibodies are not selective or specific for their target molecule. These progressing issues caused a group of leading protein scientists to form the International Working Group for Antibody Validation (IWGAV) for the purpose of standardizing the best practice of antibody validation. This consortium published five guidelines, i.e., pillars, for validating antibodies.
Learn more about antibodies in our Antibody Basics.
5 Pillars of Antibody Validation
Bio-Techne has always been at the forefront of validation testing. Our R&D Systems brand has been the leading antibody manufacturer for the past 30 years, using the best production standards and quality control specifications in the industry to develop antibodies scientists trust to exhibit high specificity and perform consistently every time. In addition to our established validation procedures, we also implement the 5 Pillars of Antibody Validation.
Genetic Strategy Validation
Antibody specificity is validated by examining expression of the target protein before and after knockdown or knockout using siRNA/shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9.
Learn more about Knockout and Knockdown Validated Antibodies
Orthogonal Validation
Antibody specificity is validated by comparing expression of the target protein as detected with antibodies and with an antibody independent strategy, such as in situ hybridization, mass spectrometry, RNA-seq or quantitative PCR.
Independent Antibody Validation
Antibody selectivity is examined by comparing expression data from several antibodies that target the protein-of-interest. Ideally, antibodies that recognize different epitopes of the protein are used.
Expression of Tagged Proteins Validation
Antibody specificity is validated by comparing the expression of an epitope tagged protein, typically by western blot and/or immunocytochemistry, using an antibody for the protein and an anti-tag antibody.
Biological Strategies Validation
Antibody specificity is validated by assessing protein detection in a range of biological samples, including different species and negative and positive expressing cells, to ensure there is no cross-reactivity with off-target proteins. A key method for confirming the specificity of an antibody against its target protein is to use a peptide-blocking assay.
Bio-Techne’s Tradition of Antibody Reproducibility
Lessons from 30 Years of Antibody Validation and Reproducibility
Lessons from 30 Years of Antibody Validation and Reproducibility
View this webinar to learn more about the integrated approach our R&D Systems brand has used for over 30 years to design, produce, and validate antibodies.
HLDA-Designated Antibodies
HLDA-Designated Antibodies
Forty-five antibody clones from our R&D Systems brand were used by the Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen (HLDA) Workshops to define Clusters of Differentiation (CD antigens) designation.
Legacy of Receiving Industry Commendations
Legacy of Receiving Industry Commendations
Bio-Techne has long been recognized as a leader in the life science reagents industry, and have received numerous CiteAb awards, including the 2021 Innovation Award for our antibodies for COVID-19 research.
Why Scientists Trust Bio-Techne
Product Transparency
Product Transparency
Detailed information about our antibodies, including source, immunogen, purification, specificity, cross-reactivity, endotoxin level, and validated applications, is included on our datasheets and website.
Expert Technical Support
Expert Technical Support
Our award-winning technical support team is the most knowledgeable in the industry and works tirelessly to resolve any issues you may have with our antibodies.
100% Guarantee
100% Guarantee
Bio-Techne stands by our antibody reproducibility. We offer a 100% Guarantee that our antibodies will work in the validated species and applications that are listed on our datasheets and website.
Ongoing Initiatives
EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops
EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops
Bio-Techne has continually sponsored EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops, supporting the efforts to create the best standards for antibody validation.
Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative
Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative
Bio-Techne is proud to sponsor the Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative through Antibodypedia, which validates antibody specificity with gene silencing techniques.
YCharOs Antibody Characterization Initiative
YCharOs Antibody Characterization Initiative
Bio-Techne has partnered with YCharOs, Inc., an open science company that is committed to characterizing commercial antibodies for every human protein.