Improve your IHC staining results with Gentaur’s IHC Epitope Retrieval System – a complete solution for heat-induced antigen retrieval in FFPE tissue sections. Discover the method and protocol now.
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📖 Introduction
One of the most critical challenges in immunohistochemistry (IHC) is ensuring the antibody can access its target epitope—especially in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Fixation cross-links proteins, masking epitopes and reducing signal intensity.
The Gentaur IHC Epitope Retrieval System provides a reliable, standardized solution for heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER), improving antigen detection and enhancing IHC staining clarity across a wide range of tissues and targets.
Gentaur IHC Epitope Retrieval System
🔍 What Is the Gentaur IHC Epitope Retrieval System ?
The system includes a compact, thermostable heating device, optimized retrieval buffers, and a slide incubation chamber. It provides controlled heating conditions, ensuring efficient reversal of formalin-induced cross-linking without damaging the tissue morphology.
It’s suitable for a wide range of antibodies, including those for :
- Membrane proteins (e.g., CD markers)
- Nuclear proteins (e.g., Ki-67, p53)
- Cytoplasmic antigens (e.g., cytokeratin, actin)
Key Features & Benefits
✅ Even and reproducible heat distribution.
✅ Compatible with both high-pH and low-pH buffers.
✅ Designed for FFPE slides across multiple tissue types.
✅ Prevents tissue detachment or drying during incubation.
✅ Compact and cost-effective system for clinical and academic labs.
✅ Works with Gentaur retrieval solutions and clearing reagents.
🧪 Standard Antigen Retrieval Protocol
This is a 4-step procedure using Gentaur’s epitope retrieval system and reagents :
A. Slide Preparation
Place paraffin-embedded tissue slides into a slide holder rack. Ensure slides are deparaffinized (use the Gentaur Quick-Clear Tissue TC™ if needed).
B. Buffer Selection & Preheating
Choose your retrieval buffer:
- Citrate Buffer pH 6.0 – for nuclear antigens
- Tris-EDTA Buffer pH 9.0 – for membrane/cytoplasmic targets
- Add 300 mL of buffer to a heat-resistant beaker or Coplin jar and preheat in the chamber to 95°C.
C. Slide Incubation
Place the rack of slides into the hot retrieval buffer within the Gentaur chamber.
Close the lid. Incubate at 95–98°C for 15–30 minutes depending on antibody requirements.
D. Cooling & Washing
Let slides cool for 20 minutes at room temperature while still in buffer.
Rinse with PBS or distilled water before continuing with blocking and IHC staining.
Compatible Buffers & Reagents
| Product Name | Catalog No. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gentaur Citrate Buffer pH 6.0 | GENT-CIT6 | For heat-induced retrieval of nuclear proteins |
| Gentaur Tris-EDTA Buffer pH 9.0 | GENT-TE9 | Ideal for membrane or difficult epitopes |
| Gentaur IHC Chamber w/ Slide Rack | GENT-IHCCH | Thermostable chamber for HIER |
| Gentaur Dehydrant Solution MC-290701 | MC-290703 | Xylene replacement for pre-clearing FFPE slides |
