Antibody Labeling Kits

Each immunolabeling experiment presents its own challenges. From the initial binding of the primary antibody to the final detection of the fluorophore label—and at every wash step in between—you face optimization protocols that will determine the sensitivity and selectivity of your experiment. Direct labeling of your primary antibody does provide two key advantages:

  • Multiple primary antibodies of the same isotype or derived from the same species can easily be used in the same experiment
  • Primary antibodies directly labeled with a fluorophore often produces lower background fluorescence and less nonspecific binding than labeled secondary antibodies.

We offer a range of antibody labeling kits to choose from. The one you select ultimately depends on the requirements of your application. Use the selection tables below to help you decide on your best option.

Which antibody labeling kit do you need?
These kits have the easiest protocols and require the least amount of hands-on experience.
Zip Rapid Antibody Labeling Kits Zenon Antibody Labeling Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 100 µg 1–20 µg
Label target/method Free lysines/covalent amine-
reactive chemistry		 Fc portion of IgG/antibody affinity
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 No Yes
Can measure degree of labeling? No No
Can store conjugate longer than 24 hr? Yes No
Requires post-label purification? No No
Time required for protocol 15 min 10 min
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye:protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

These kits have quick protocols and/or require minimal hands-on time.
APEX Antibody
Labeling Kits		 Zip Rapid Antibody
Labeling Kits		 Zenon Antibody
Labeling Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 10–20 µg 100 µg 1–20 µg
Label target/method Free lysines/covalent amine-reactive chemistry Fc portion of IgG/antibody affinity
Can measure degree of labeling? No No No
Can store conjugate more than 24 hr? Yes Yes No
Site specific label? No No Yes
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 Yes No Yes
Requires post-label purification? No No No
Time required for protocol 2 hr 15 min 10 min
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye:protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

These kits use the standard covalent, amine-reactive dyes that randomly label lysines on the antibody.
APEX Antibody
Labeling Kits		 Antibody
Labeling Kits		 Zip Rapid Antibody
Labeling Kits		 Protein
Labeling
Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 10–20 µg 100 µg 100 µg 1 mg
Label target/method Free lysines/covalent amine-reactive chemistry
Can measure degree of labeling? No Yes No Yes
Can store conjugate more than 24 hr? No No No No
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 Yes No No No
Requires post label purification? No No No Yes
Time required for protocol 2 hr 90 min 15 min 2 hr
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye:protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

These kits allow labeling as little as 1 µg in one reaction with minimal loss of conjugate
APEX Antibody Labeling Kits Zenon Antibody Labeling Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 10–20 µg 1–20 µg
Label target/method Free lysines/covalent amine-reactive chemistry Fc portion of IgG/antibody affinity
Can measure degree of labeling? No No
Can store conjugate more than 24 hr? Yes No
Site specific label? No Yes
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 Yes Yes
Requires post label purification? NO NO
Time required for protocol 2 hr 10 min
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye:protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

These methods prevent labeling of the antigen binding site.
Zenon Antibody Labeling Kits SiteClick Antibody Labeling Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 1–20 µg 100 µg to 5 mg
Label target/method Fc portion of IgG/antibody affinity Sugars on IgG heavy
chain/covalent, copper-free click
chemistry
Can measure degree of labeling? No Yes
Can store conjugate more than 24 hr? No Yes
Site specific label? Yes Yes
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 Yes Yes
Requires post-label purification? No Yes
Time required for protocol 10 min overnight incubation
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye:protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

For applications where it is critical to get the exact same conjugate every time.
SiteClick Antibody Labeling Kits
Amount IgG labeled/reaction* 100 µg to 5 mg
Label target/method Sugars on IgG heavy chain/covalent, copper-free click chemistry
Can measure degree of labeling? Yes
Can store conjugate more than 24 hr? Yes
Site-specific label? Yes
Compatible with BSA or other
stablizers in sample buffer?		 Yes
Requires post-label purification? Yes
Time required for protocol overnight incubation
Optimal applications** FC, IF, WB, HCA

*Kits are optimized for whole IgG protein, molecular weight 150 kDa unless otherwise indicated. For those kits, please see instructions on how to adjust protein concentration for optimal dye: protein ratios.

**FC=flow cytometry; IF=immunofluorescence; WB=western blot analysis; HCA=high content analysis

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Related content
Not looking for a kit or need a different dye?

Find standalone amine-reactive dyes and more information about amine-reactive chemistries in Fluorophores and Their Amine-Reactive Derivatives—Chapter 1, The Molecular Probes Handbook.

We also have thiol-reactive dyes available as standalone reagents and you can learn more about these in the Thiol-Reactive Probes—Chapter 2, The Molecular Probes Handbook.

Covalent antibody labeling

Zip Rapid Antibody Labeling Kits

Zip Alexa Fluor Rapid Antibody Labeling Kits allow you to efficiently label your precious antibody with fluorescent dyes to create an antibody conjugate that is ready to use within 15 minutes.

  • Label 100 μg of IgG antibody
  • Three labeling reactions per kit
  • Very fast and easy to use
  • 100% antibody recovery—no purification steps
  • No chemistry or conjugation experience needed
Bulk Quantities and Custom Products

Partner with us to scale-up your process or product development pipeline with bulk quantities of high-quality immunoassay reagents and biochemicals. We offer a variety of compounds, devices, and resins for your large-scale applications.

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