1. INTRODUCTION
The Lightning-Link(TM) conjugation kit allows Rhodamine conjugations to set up in seconds, simply by adding a solution of the protein to be labeled to a proprietary lyophilised mixture containing Rhodamine. By circumventing the desalting or dialysis steps that commonly interrupt traditional protein conjugation procedures, Lightning-Link(TM) technology can be used to label small quantities of protein with 100% recovery and without excessive dilution of the conjugate.Upon dissolution of Lightning-Link(TM) mixture with a solution of the antibody (or other biomolecule to be labeled) proprietary chemicals in the mixture become activated. This results in the directional coupling of the antibody to the fluorescent label in a gentle and controlled process at near-neutral pH. The hands-on time for the entire procedure is typically 20- 30 seconds. Lightning-Link(TM) makes it possible to label primary antibodies and other proteins with ease, and eliminates the need for secondary reagents in immunoassay procedures such as Western blotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry.
2. INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Storage and components
The kit is shipped at ambient temperature in a tamper-evident polypropylene container. Store at -20 degrees celsius upon receipt.
Kit contents:
Glass vial(s) of Lightning-Link(TM) mix (1 or 3 vials, depending on pack size)
1 vial of LL- Modifier reagent
1 vial of LL- Quencher FD reagent
2.2 Considerations before use
2.2.1 Sample buffer
Ideally, the antibody to be labeled should be in 10-50mM amine-free buffer pH range 6.5 to 8.5. However, many buffers outside these limits of concentration and pH can be accommodated. Modest concentrations of Tris buffer are also tolerated. Appendix 1 gives further guidance on buffers and compatible additives.
2.2.2 Amount and volume of antibody
The amount of antibody used for labeling should be the same as the pack size of LL-Rhodamine. e.g. For 100ug LL-Rhodamine add 100ug of antibody. The volume in which the antibody is added ideally should be 4ul-10ul (10ug pack size), 40ul-100ul (100ug pack size), and 0.4-1ml (1mg pack size). Antibody concentrations in the range 1-4mg/ml are therefore ideal. However, concentrations and volumes outside these suggested limits have also yielded excellent conjugates. For any new antibody, optimization of the ratio of antibody to Rhodamine is often worthwhile.
2.3 Setting up conjugation reactions
2.3.1. Before you add antibody to the Lightning-Link(TM) mix, add 1ul of LL-Modifier reagent for each 10ul of antibody to be labeled. Mix gently.
2.3.2. Remove the screw cap from the vial of Lightning-Link(TM) mix and pipette the antibody sample (with added LL-modifier) directly onto the lyophilised material. Resuspend gently by withdrawing and re-dispensing the liquid once or twice using a pipette.
2.3.3. Place the cap back on the vial and leave the vial standing for 3 hours at room temperature (20-25 degrees celsius). Alternatively, and sometimes more conveniently, conjugations can be set up and left overnight, as the longer incubation time has no negative effect on the conjugate.
2.3.4. After incubating for 3 hours (or more), add 1ul of LL-quencher FD reagent for every 10ul of antibody used. The conjugate can be used after 30 minutes.
2.4 Storage of conjugates
For any new conjugate, initial storage at 4 degrees celsius is recommended. A preservative may be desirable
for long-term storage. Other storage conditions (e.g. frozen at -70C or stored at -20C with 50% glycerol) may also be satisfactory. The best conditions for any particular conjugate must be determined by experimentation.
Appendix 1. Compatibility of buffers and buffer additives.
Amine-free buffers, including MES, MOPS, HEPES are compatible if they are in the concentration range 10-50mM and have pH values in the range 6.5-8.5, as the addition of LL-Modifier provides the conditions necessary for efficient conjugation. Common non-buffering salts (e.g. sodium chloride), chelating agents (e.g. EDTA), and sugars have no effect on conjugation efficiency. Azide (0.02-0.1%) has little or no effect. If the amine-free buffer is relatively concentrated and outside the pH range 6.6-8.5 you may need to add more LL-modifier for each 10ml of antibody. Excess LL-Modifier is provided so that you can check the pH of the buffer after the addition of the modifier. Ideally the pH should be around 7.3-7.6, though efficient conjugation occurs anywhere between pH 6.8 and 7.8. Avoid buffer components that are nucleophilic, as these may react with Lightning-Link(TM) chemicals. Primary amines (e.g. amino acids, ethanolamine) and thiols (e.g. mercaptoethanol, DTT) fall within this class. (Note: Tris has little effect on conjugation efficiency as long as the concentration is 20mM or less).
