Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated is a secondary antibody produced in goats immunized with purified rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG). The antibody specifically recognizes and binds to both the heavy (H) and light (L) chains of rabbit IgG molecules. The conjugation to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme enables colorimetric or chemiluminescent detection in various immunoassay applications . This reagent forms a critical component in the detection cascade of multiple immunological techniques, serving as a bridge between the primary antibody-antigen complex and the detection system.
The antibody portion is a polyclonal goat immunoglobulin that specifically targets rabbit IgG. The "(H+L)" designation indicates that the antibody recognizes epitopes on both the heavy and light chains of rabbit IgG molecules . This provides comprehensive binding capability to various forms of rabbit IgG.
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is covalently linked to the goat antibody through chemical conjugation methods. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of substrates in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, producing colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent signals depending on the substrate used . The conjugation process is carefully controlled to maintain antibody specificity while providing optimal enzymatic activity.
Various manufacturers provide their Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated in different buffer formulations, typically including:
Component | Typical Concentration/Range | Function |
---|---|---|
Sodium/Potassium phosphate | 0.01-0.02 M | pH maintenance |
Sodium chloride | 0.15-0.25 M | Ionic strength |
Glycerol | 0-50% | Cryoprotectant |
BSA | 1-10 mg/mL | Stabilizer |
Preservatives | 0.01-0.05% | Antimicrobial protection |
pH | 7.2-7.6 | Optimal antibody stability |
This formulation data has been compiled from multiple product specifications .
The production of Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated begins with the immunization of healthy goats using purified whole rabbit IgG as the immunogen . The immunization schedule typically involves multiple injections to produce high-titer antiserum.
The antibody is typically purified from goat antiserum through a two-stage process:
Initial purification through protein-specific precipitation methods
Refinement via immunoaffinity chromatography using rabbit IgG coupled to agarose beads
Some manufacturers implement additional purification steps such as ion-exchange chromatography or size exclusion chromatography to enhance purity.
The purified antibody is conjugated to HRP using various coupling chemistries:
Periodate oxidation method
Maleimide activation
NHS ester conjugation
Glutaraldehyde cross-linking
The specific method varies by manufacturer but is selected to maintain optimal antibody binding capacity while ensuring efficient enzymatic activity of the HRP component .
Each lot undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure:
Antibody titer and specificity
Enzymatic activity of HRP
Absence of contamination
Cross-reactivity analysis
Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated is utilized in numerous laboratory applications, with varying recommended dilutions:
Technique | Typical Dilution Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Western Blotting | 1:2,000-1:10,000 | Higher dilutions with ECL substrates |
ELISA | 1:1,000-1:60,000 | Varies by detection method |
Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) | 1:500-1:3,000 | For paraffin-embedded sections |
Immunocytochemistry (ICC) | 1:500-1:3,000 | For cell preparations |
Dot Blot | 1:2,000-1:10,000 | For rapid antigen detection |
Immunomicroscopy | 1:500-1:3,000 | For visualization studies |
These applications leverage the high specificity of the antibody combined with the sensitive detection capabilities of the HRP conjugate .
The antibody specifically recognizes rabbit IgG, including all subclasses, binding to epitopes on both heavy and light chains. This broad reactivity ensures detection of various rabbit IgG forms regardless of the specific subclass used as primary antibody .
Cross-reactivity data obtained through sandwich ELISA testing revealed:
Species IgG | Cross-Reactivity Level |
---|---|
Human IgG | 5-7% |
Mouse IgG | <2% |
Rat IgG | <2% |
Chicken IgY | <2% |
This low cross-reactivity profile helps minimize background and false positive signals in multi-species experiments . Some manufacturers offer products specifically adsorbed against human IgG to further reduce cross-reactivity when working with human samples .
Store in small aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Protect from light to preserve HRP activity
Brown precipitates may form but generally do not affect performance; gentle vortexing can resuspend the material
For lyophilized products, reconstitute only immediately prior to use
Working dilutions should be prepared fresh before experiments
Double-affinity purified preparations offer improved signal-to-noise ratios, allowing for higher working dilutions (1:3,000-1:10,000) that reduce background signals in Western blotting and other applications .
Application | Detection Method | Recommended Dilution |
---|---|---|
Western Blot | ECL/Chemiluminescence | 1:2,000-1:10,000 |
Western Blot | Chromogenic | 1:1,000-1:6,000 |
ELISA | Chromogenic | 1:5,000-1:60,000 |
IHC | Chromogenic | 1:500-1:3,000 |
IHC | Fluorescent | 1:500-1:2,000 |
Optimal dilutions should be determined empirically for each specific application and detection system .
Compared to other secondary detection systems, Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated offers several advantages:
Higher sensitivity than alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugates for chemiluminescent detection
More stable signal development compared to fluorescent conjugates
Greater versatility across multiple detection platforms
Compatible with various substrates (TMB, DAB, ECL) for different visualization methods
Host Species | Advantages | Limitations |
---|---|---|
Goat Anti-Rabbit | Low cross-reactivity with human samples | Some cross-reactivity with human IgG (5-7%) |
Donkey Anti-Rabbit | Lowest species cross-reactivity | Higher cost, less widely available |
Sheep Anti-Rabbit | Similar performance to goat | Less commonly used, higher background in some applications |
Goat-derived antibodies represent an optimal balance between performance, availability, and cost-effectiveness for most research applications .
In Western blotting, Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody;HRP conjugated serves as a critical detection reagent for identifying proteins of interest that have been bound by rabbit primary antibodies. The HRP conjugate enables visualization through chemiluminescent or chromogenic substrates, with high sensitivity and specificity .
For tissue section analysis, this secondary antibody enables visualization of protein localization within cells and tissues. It provides excellent signal-to-noise ratios when used at appropriate dilutions (typically 1:500-1:3,000) and can be used with various substrates to produce different colored precipitates for multi-label experiments .
In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, this conjugate enables quantitative detection of antigens with high sensitivity. The wide working dilution range (1:1,000-1:60,000) allows optimization for different assay requirements and detection systems .
Applications : Western blotting
Sample dilution: 1:2000
Review: Then the membrane was washed with TBS for 3 times (5 min each time), and then the membrane was put into goat anti-rabbit IgG marked with horse radish peroxidase (HRP) and incubated at room temperature for 1 h.
Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody-HRP conjugated is a secondary antibody produced in goats that recognizes and binds to rabbit IgG antibodies. The "H+L" designation indicates that it targets both heavy and light chains of rabbit immunoglobulin G. This antibody is conjugated to Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP), an enzyme that catalyzes reactions producing detectable signals in various immunoassays. It functions through indirect detection, where the primary rabbit antibody binds to the target antigen, and this secondary antibody then binds to the primary antibody. When an appropriate substrate is added, the HRP enzyme produces a signal (colorimetric, chemiluminescent, etc.) that enables target protein detection and/or quantification .
This secondary antibody has demonstrated effectiveness across multiple immunological applications:
Technique | Compatibility | Typical Dilution Range |
---|---|---|
Western Blot (WB) | High | 1:5,000 - 1:100,000 |
ELISA | High | 1:5,000 - 1:100,000 |
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | High | 1:500 - 1:5,000 |
Immunofluorescence (IF) | Moderate-High | Varies by protocol |
Immunoprecipitation (IP) | Moderate | Varies by protocol |
Flow Cytometry (FC) | Moderate | Varies by protocol |
The versatility of this antibody makes it valuable across various detection methods in molecular and cellular biology research .
For maximum retention of activity, store the antibody at -20°C for long-term storage. Most formulations contain 50% glycerol to prevent freeze-thaw damage. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing cycles as this significantly reduces antibody performance. Once thawed for use, the antibody can typically be stored at 2-8°C for several weeks. Some formulations include preservatives like 0.002% Thimerosal or 0.02% sodium azide to prevent microbial contamination. The shelf life is generally one year from the date of receipt when stored properly . Always refer to the manufacturer's specific storage recommendations as buffer compositions may vary slightly between suppliers.
Determining the optimal dilution requires systematic titration to balance signal strength against background noise. Begin with a dilution series spanning the recommended range (typically 1:1,000 to 1:20,000 for Western blot applications). For Western blots with chromogenic substrates, start with 1:5,000 to 1:10,000. For ECL substrates (enhanced chemiluminescence), begin with higher dilutions (1:10,000 to 1:50,000). Prepare identical blots or plates with your samples and use different dilutions of the secondary antibody. Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio at each dilution, selecting the one that provides clear, specific signals with minimal background.
For ELISA applications, perform a similar titration but include known positive and negative controls at each dilution. Plot signal-to-noise ratios across dilutions to identify the optimal working concentration. This systematic approach provides more reliable results than simply using manufacturer-recommended dilutions, as optimal conditions vary based on primary antibody concentration, target abundance, and detection system sensitivity .
The choice of blocking agent significantly impacts background levels when using Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG(H+L) Antibody-HRP conjugated. The following table summarizes compatibility with common blocking agents:
For diluents, use the same buffer composition as your blocking solution but at a lower concentration (typically 0.1-1% protein in TBS or PBS with 0.05-0.1% Tween-20). This maintains consistent conditions throughout the protocol. Pre-incubation of diluted antibody with membrane or tissue extracts from a non-target species can further reduce cross-reactivity issues. Importantly, since the antibody is goat-derived, avoid blocking with goat serum to prevent interference with antibody binding .
For quantitative applications, maintain a constant ratio between primary and secondary antibody across experiments. A general guideline is to use the secondary antibody at 2-10 times the concentration (by weight) of the primary antibody. For example, if using primary at 1 μg/mL, the secondary should be used at approximately 2-10 μg/mL. Importantly, optimization should include titration of both primary and secondary antibodies simultaneously using a matrix experimental design to identify optimal combinations that maximize specific signal while minimizing background .
High background is a common challenge when using HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies. Implement these evidence-based strategies to improve signal-to-noise ratio:
Increase blocking time and concentration: Extend blocking from 1 hour to overnight using 5% BSA or milk in TBST/PBST.
Add detergent to wash and antibody diluent buffers: Increase Tween-20 concentration to 0.1-0.3% to reduce hydrophobic interactions.
Implement sequential blocking: Use a combination of different blockers (e.g., 3% BSA followed by 1% casein).
Pre-adsorb the secondary antibody: Incubate with tissue/cell lysate from non-relevant species to remove cross-reactive antibodies.
Reduce antibody concentrations: Dilute both primary and secondary antibodies further if background persists with adequate specific signal.
Extend and increase wash steps: Perform 5-6 washes of 10 minutes each with TBST/PBST before and after secondary antibody incubation.
Use additives in the secondary antibody diluent: Include 1-5% normal serum from the species of your sample (not goat) to reduce non-specific binding.
Filter the diluted secondary antibody: Use a 0.22 μm filter to remove potential aggregates that cause spotty background .
Verifying specificity is crucial for confident interpretation of results. Implement these validation approaches:
No-primary-antibody control: Apply only secondary antibody to determine direct binding to sample components.
Isotype control: Use an irrelevant rabbit IgG at the same concentration as your primary antibody.
Cross-adsorption test: Compare results using standard versus cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies if cross-reactivity is suspected.
Dot blot analysis: Test reactivity against purified immunoglobulins from different species (mouse, human, etc.) to assess cross-reactivity.
Western blot validation: Run reduced and non-reduced samples of purified rabbit IgG to confirm recognition of appropriate heavy and light chains.
Competitive inhibition: Pre-incubate secondary antibody with purified rabbit IgG before application to block specific binding sites.
Species-matched negative control tissues: Apply your protocol to tissues known not to express your target protein.
The specificity data from suppliers indicates minimal cross-reactivity with mouse/bovine IgG , but this should be verified in your specific experimental context, especially when working with complex samples containing multiple species' proteins .
Successful multiplexing requires careful planning to prevent cross-reactivity between detection systems:
Cross-reactivity assessment: Before combining antibodies, test each secondary antibody with non-matched primary antibodies to confirm specificity.
Absorption of secondary antibodies: Use cross-absorbed or highly cross-adsorbed secondaries when working with multiple species.
Sequential detection protocols: For HRP-based multiplexing:
Apply first primary antibody, then HRP-conjugated secondary
Develop first signal with a precipitating substrate (DAB or TMB)
Perform rigorous washing, potentially including a peroxidase blocking step
Apply second primary antibody and differently conjugated secondary (alkaline phosphatase)
Develop with a contrasting substrate
Fluorescent alternatives: Consider using fluorescently labeled secondaries for more straightforward multiplexing than HRP systems allow.
Primary antibody species selection: Choose primary antibodies raised in different host species (e.g., rabbit and mouse) to enable clean discrimination.
Order of application: Apply the less abundant target/weaker signal first when using sequential protocols.
Blocking between sequences: Apply additional blocking steps between detection sequences to prevent cross-reaction .
When working with FFPE tissues, standard protocols require significant modifications:
Antigen retrieval optimization: Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) is crucial before applying antibodies. Test both to determine which works best with your primary antibody.
Endogenous peroxidase blocking: Incubate sections with 3% hydrogen peroxide in methanol for 10-15 minutes to quench endogenous peroxidase activity, which is particularly important in tissues like liver, kidney, and inflammatory samples.
Enhanced blocking protocol: Use a stronger blocking solution (5-10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody diluent plus 1% BSA) and extend blocking time to 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Lower secondary antibody dilution: Start with a 1:500 dilution rather than the higher dilutions used for Western blotting, as tissue complexity requires more antibody for adequate penetration and binding.
Extended incubation times: Consider overnight primary antibody incubation at 4°C and extend secondary antibody incubation to 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Additional washing steps: Perform at least 5 washes of 5 minutes each between all steps, using PBS with 0.1% Tween-20.
Substrate development optimization: Carefully monitor chromogenic development under a microscope to prevent overdevelopment and increase signal-to-noise ratio .
Chemiluminescent detection requires careful optimization of multiple parameters:
Secondary antibody dilution: For ECL detection, use much higher dilutions (1:10,000 to 1:200,000) than for chromogenic detection. Start with 1:20,000 and adjust based on signal intensity and background.
Membrane blocking optimization: Test different blockers (5% milk vs. 3-5% BSA) as their effectiveness varies with different primary antibodies and target proteins.
Washing buffer composition: Include 0.1% SDS in TBST for the first 1-2 washes after secondary antibody incubation to reduce background, especially with nitrocellulose membranes.
Substrate selection: Match the substrate sensitivity to your application:
Target Abundance | Recommended Substrate Type | Exposure Strategy |
---|---|---|
High abundance | Standard ECL | Short exposures (30 sec - 1 min) |
Medium abundance | Enhanced ECL (e.g., ECL Plus) | Medium exposures (1-5 min) |
Low abundance | Femto or SuperSignal | Longer exposures (5-15 min) |
Membrane choice: PVDF membranes typically provide higher sensitivity than nitrocellulose for chemiluminescent detection but require more stringent blocking.
Multiple exposures: Capture images at different exposure times to optimize detection of strong and weak signals in the same blot.
Temperature considerations: Ensure all reagents and membranes reach room temperature before use, as cold solutions can create uneven background .
Epitope masking can significantly impact detection with secondary antibodies through several mechanisms:
Structural changes affecting recognition: Protein denaturation, fixation, or processing can alter epitope accessibility. Test different sample preparation methods:
For Western blots: Compare reducing vs. non-reducing conditions
For IHC/IF: Compare different fixatives and fixation times
Steric hindrance from detection components: Large HRP enzymes (44 kDa) can cause steric hindrance when:
Multiple primary antibodies bind close together
Epitopes are located in protein pockets or complex structures
Sequential detection systems are used
Mitigation strategies for complex detection systems:
Use F(ab) or F(ab')2 fragments of secondary antibodies rather than whole IgG to reduce size
Test different primary antibody concentrations to optimize epitope accessibility
Apply protein A/G before secondary antibodies to create spacing
Consider enzyme-labeled streptavidin with biotinylated secondary antibodies for greater separation
Alternative detection formats:
Two-step polymer detection systems can improve signal by attaching multiple HRP molecules per secondary antibody
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) can enhance detection of masked epitopes through local signal amplification
Sample-specific considerations:
Ensuring consistency across extended studies requires implementing standardized quality control protocols:
Create reference standards: Prepare aliquots of positive control samples (e.g., purified rabbit IgG at known concentrations) and store at -80°C. Use these standards to calibrate each new antibody batch.
Maintain a validation panel: Develop a small panel of consistent samples that express your proteins of interest at various levels. Test each new batch against this panel.
Standardized titration protocol: Perform side-by-side titrations of the current and new antibody batches using identical conditions:
Parameter | Standardization Approach |
---|---|
Sample preparation | Use the same lysate/tissue preparation method |
Loading controls | Include identical loading controls across all validation runs |
Blocking conditions | Maintain consistent blocking reagents and timing |
Incubation parameters | Keep temperature, time, and agitation consistent |
Detection method | Use the same substrates and imaging systems |
Quantitative analysis: Calculate signal-to-noise ratios for each batch and maintain a quality control chart. Acceptable batch-to-batch variation should typically not exceed 20%.
Lot-specific optimization: If significant variations are observed, determine lot-specific optimal dilutions and document these adjustments in experimental protocols.
Storage consistency: Store all batches under identical conditions to minimize variation from storage-related degradation.
Certificate of Analysis review: Compare conjugation ratios (HRP:IgG) and protein concentrations between batches as indicators of potential performance differences .
Understanding the factors that impact signal linearity is essential for quantitative applications:
Substrate depletion effects: HRP-based detection systems have a finite linear range before substrate depletion occurs. This range varies by substrate:
Chromogenic substrates (TMB, DAB): Typically 1-2 orders of magnitude
Standard ECL: 2-3 orders of magnitude
Enhanced ECL systems: Up to 4 orders of magnitude
Antibody saturation dynamics: Both primary and secondary antibodies must be used within their linear binding range:
Primary antibody concentration should be optimized to avoid epitope saturation
Secondary antibody must be in excess relative to bound primary antibody
Binding kinetics follow Langmuir isotherms, with potential hook effects at very high antigen concentrations
Detection system limitations: Different imaging systems have variable linear detection ranges:
Film-based detection: 1-2 orders of magnitude (limited by film saturation)
CCD-based systems: 3-4 orders of magnitude (with appropriate exposure optimization)
PMT-based scanners: Up to 5 orders of magnitude (for some laser-based systems)
Strategies to ensure quantitative reliability:
Always include a standard curve of known target concentrations
Use multiple dilutions of samples to ensure measurements fall within the linear range
For Western blots, verify loading with housekeeping proteins or total protein stains
Perform technical replicates and validate with biological replicates
Use image analysis software with appropriate background correction algorithms
Enhancement for quantitative applications:
The affinity purification process significantly influences antibody performance characteristics:
Purification methods and their impacts:
Cross-reactivity profiles based on purification:
Standard purified antibodies: May show cross-reactivity with immunoglobulins from other species
Cross-adsorbed antibodies: Reduced cross-reactivity following additional negative selection steps
Highly cross-adsorbed: Minimal cross-reactivity, especially important for multi-color applications
Impact on experimental applications:
Higher purification standards are critical for multiplexed detection systems
The more complex the sample (tissue sections vs. cell lines), the more important purification becomes
Applications using low dilutions (IHC) benefit more from highly purified antibodies than those using high dilutions (ELISA)
Verification approaches:
Considerations for specialized applications: