Immunogold labeling is an often-used technique in immunocytochemistry to identify specific antigens in tissue by electron microscopy. To apply the technique, gold conjugated immunoreactive proteins are used to label the specific cellular components of interest. Aurion specializes in creating and delivering a large range of gold conjugates, including gold conjugated antibodies with a variety of gold particle diameters.
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Light microscopy evaluation of tubulin labeling with Ultra Small Immunogold Reagents and silver enhancement.
Upper panel: bright field mode
Lower panel: epi-polarization mode
Conventional immunogold reagents
Our conventional immunogold reagents are intended to be used in immuno electron microscopy. The gold marker can be directly observed with standard electron microscopic techniques, i.e., without an additional silver enhancement step. These standard reagents are built around colloidal gold particles of varying sizes, ranging from 6 nm to 25 nm. The particle population is monodisperse. Minimal size variation and particle diameter overlap allows multiple labeling studies. Aurion immunogold reagents are available in a variety of specifications.
Ultra-small gold reagents for immunolabeling
Our conventional immunogold conjugates are well-suited for post-embedding immunogold labeling and the detection of cell surface antigens that are easily accessible. Aurion also offers its unique ultra-small gold reagents. These ultra-small gold particles with an average diameter of 0.8 can be visualized directly in high angle annular dark-field-scanning TEM. In general, however, silver enhancement is required. During the enhancement process metallic silver is deposited on the gold nano particle surface. The diameter of ultra-small gold is increased to such an extent that the signal can be visualized in regular TEM, SEM, light microscopy and in bio-assays. For electron microscopic observations Aurion R-GENT SE-EM, another unique product, has been developed.
More on the immunogold labeling protocol
Aurion will provide you with ready-to-use gold conjugated antibodies, protein A and G, as well as streptavidin for immunogold labeling. If, however, you wish to carry out the conjugation yourself, we can also provide you with the necessary gold nanoparticles. More information regarding the proper immunogold conjugation protocol can be found here. The application of our immunogold reagents, blocking solutions and silver enhancement is explained in-depth in our incubation protocols section. Here you can find insights into the steps required for both the pre- and the post-embedding immunogold labeling procedure. Alternatively, you can gain more knowledge, and develop hands on experience in the protocols, by following one of our international workshops.
Order your reagents online from our web shop
Our conventional and ultra-small reagents are available in our company web shop. As most products are in stock, they will be delivered to you within three working days, ready for use. We also offer a custom labeling service if you are unable to find the required gold conjugated antibodies in our stock. Do not hesitate to get in touch with your questions about our products or to ask for a quotation. Call (+31) 317 415094 or send an email to info@aurion.nl.
