Expanding Antibody Labeling Options: TrailBlazer™ Tag and StarBright™ Dye Label Kits 2259389

M Michael Blundell (Bio-Rad Labs) S Sharon Sanderson (Bio-Rad Labs) L Lei Huang (BLSA-ZJU Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.) R Ryan Mendoza (Bio-Rad Labs) Y Yoontae Kang (Bio-Rad Labs) T Tracey Long (Bio-Rad Labs)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Multiplexing experiments are often constrained by the lack of ideal fluorophores for certain antibodies or experimental needs, limiting experimental design in flow cytometry, western blotting, and microscopy applications. While custom antibody-dye conjugates can be generated with labeling kits, choices are usually limited to standard fluorophores (such as FITC), which often restricts panel expansion and improvement. Methods   Results The new TrailBlazer Tag and StarBright Dye Label Kits are a significant advancement in overcoming this issue. These innovative kits directly label antibodies with premium StarBright Dyes, with options spanning the five main laser lines. Our data shows the one-year stability of TrailBlazer Kit—conjugated antibodies, which is due to the novel SpyTag-SpyCatcher technology used, making them ideal for longer-term studies without the need to perform multiple labeling reactions. Data demonstrates the robust and reproducible performance of kit-labeled antibodies across different applications is comparable to catalog StarBright Dye—conjugated antibodies. Additionally, flow cytometry data show that kit-labeled StarBright Dye antibodies are compatible with multiple staining buffers and fixation/permeabilization buffers and can be easily included in multiplexing panels. Conclusion In summary, the novel TrailBlazer Labeling Kits are a valuable tool for scientists, offering the flexibility of self-conjugation to generate high-quality, multidimensional data in complex biological analyses. Funding Source n/a Topic Categories Technological Innovations in Immunology (TECH)

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 215, Issue Supplement_1
Published August 01, 2026
ISSN 0022-1767
Publisher American Association of Immunologists

Authors (6)

M

Michael Blundell

Bio-Rad Labs

S

Sharon Sanderson

Bio-Rad Labs

L

Lei Huang

BLSA-ZJU Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

R

Ryan Mendoza

Bio-Rad Labs

Y

Yoontae Kang

Bio-Rad Labs

T

Tracey Long

Bio-Rad Labs