Boster Bio Life Science Blog

Choosing between polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies is crucial for experiment success. Understanding their differences in production, specificity, and applications empowers scientists to make informed decisions. This article aims to distinct between polyclonal, monoclonal antibodies

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This article summarizes comparative experimental findings and literature evidence regarding antibody validation and reproducibility in non-model organism research.

Struggling with Western blot antibody selection? This practical guide walks you through common issues, step-by-step selection tips, and proven strategies for loading controls and secondary antibodies—perfect for boosting your WB success rate.

Choosing the right antibody can get complicated, so it’s not surprising that customers frequently ask us questions like, “If this antibody is validated for human, will it cross-react with rat, too?”

First, let’s review the concept of cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity between antigens occurs when an antibody targeted against one specific antigen is successful in binding with another, different antigen—a factor that plays a key role in designing reliable assay services<...

As of January 2022, there are nearly 2,500 brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) antibodies to choose from according to CiteAb. In this article, I will share how I found the BDNF antibody that worked for my projects and I hope my experience is helpful if you are currently searching for good BDNF antibodies. I will also discuss the expected BDNF molecular weight in Western blots, BDNF positive and negative control designs, and a step-by-step guide of how I currently search for antibodies.

During my first year in the lab, my team was investigating BDNF’s role in Rett syndrome by treating various CNS cells with inflammatory cytokines in vitro and we discovered upregulation of BDNF mRNAs. Since we had to conduct protein level analysis, I started the hunt for anti-BDNF antibodies.

Almost any scientist who has worked with antibodies knows that many unexpected issues can occur even for the most well-known biomarkers and established antibodies. To prepare for the antibody search, I generally get 2 facts sorted out first:

1. The expected molecular weight the biomarker has in Western blotting
2. The tissues/cells known to express or not express the b
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