Antibody Validation

Antibodies are indispensable tools for basic life science research and drug development. However, in recent years, the quality of commercially available antibodies has come under scrutiny as researchers have been discovering that many antibodies are not selective or specific for their target molecule. These progressing issues caused a group of leading protein scientists to form the International Working Group for Antibody Validation (IWGAV) for the purpose of standardizing the best practice of antibody validation. This consortium published five guidelines, i.e., pillars, for validating antibodies.

5 Pillars of Antibody Validation

Bio-Techne has always been at the forefront of validation testing. Our R&D Systems brand has been the leading antibody manufacturer for the past 30 years, using the best production standards and quality control specifications in the industry to develop antibodies scientists trust to exhibit high specificity and perform consistently every time. In addition to our established validation procedures, we also implement the 5 Pillars of Antibody Validation.

Bio-Techne validates our antibodies using genetic strategy validation from the 5 pillars of antibody validation as recommended by IWGAV.

Genetic Strategy Validation

Antibody specificity is validated by examining expression of the target protein before and after knockdown or knockout using siRNA/shRNA or CRISPR/CAS9.

Bio-Techne validates our antibodies using orthogonal validation from the 5 pillars of antibody validation as recommended by IWGAV.

Orthogonal Validation

Antibody specificity is validated by comparing expression of the target protein as detected with antibodies and with an antibody independent strategy, such as in situ hybridization, mass spectrometry, RNA-seq or quantitative PCR.

Bio-Techne validates our antibodies using independent antibody validation from the 5 pillars of antibody validation as recommended by IWGAV.

Independent Antibody Validation

Antibody selectivity is examined by comparing expression data from several antibodies that target the protein-of-interest. Ideally, antibodies that recognize different epitopes of the protein are used.

Bio-Techne validates our antibodies using expression of tagged proteins validation from the 5 pillars of antibody validation as recommended by IWGAV.

Expression of Tagged Proteins Validation

Antibody specificity is validated by comparing the expression of an epitope tagged protein, typically by western blot and/or immunocytochemistry, using an antibody for the protein and an anti-tag antibody.

Bio-Techne validates our antibodies using biological strategies validation from the 5 pillars of antibody validation as recommended by IWGAV.

Biological Strategies Validation

Antibody specificity is validated by assessing protein detection in a range of biological samples, including different species and negative and positive expressing cells, to ensure there is no cross-reactivity with off-target proteins.

Bio-Techne’s Tradition of Antibody Reproducibility

Bio-Techne has over 30 years of experience producing highly validated, consistently performing antibodies.

Lessons from 30 Years of Antibody Validation and Reproducibility

View this webinar to learn more about the integrated approach our R&D Systems brand has used for over 30 years to design, produce, and validate  antibodies.

Bio-Techne’s CCR7 antibody was used by HLDA to establish CD designation of CCR7.

HLDA-Designated Antibodies

Forty-five antibody clones from our R&D Systems brand were used by the Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen (HLDA) Workshops to define Clusters of Differentiation (CD antigens) designation.  

Bio-Techne’s antibodies and products are award-winning, having received numerous CiteAb awards.

Legacy of Receiving Industry Commendations

Bio-Techne has long been recognized as a leader in the life science reagents industry, and have received numerous CiteAb awards, including the 2021 Innovation Award for our antibodies for COVID-19 research.

Why Scientists Trust Bio-Techne

Bio-Techne offers detailed information about the production and testing of our antibodies on our datasheets and websites.

Product Transparency

Detailed information about our antibodies, including source, immunogen, purification, specificity, cross-reactivity, endotoxin level, and validated applications, is included on our datasheets and website.

Bio-Techne’s technical service team can work with our on-site developmental scientists and product managers to quickly resolve your antibody issues.

Expert Technical Support

Our award-winning technical support team is the most knowledgeable in the industry and works tirelessly to resolve any issues you may have with our antibodies.

R&D Systems Guarantee Product Performance Pledge

100% Guarantee

Bio-Techne stands by our antibody reproducibility. We offer a 100% Guarantee that our antibodies will work in the validated species and applications that are listed on our datasheets and website.

Ongoing Initiatives

Bio-Techne supports EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops

EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops

Bio-Techne has continually sponsored EuroMabNet Antibody Validation Workshops, supporting the efforts to create the best standards for antibody validation.

Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative

Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative

Bio-Techne is proud to sponsor the Affinity Binder Knockdown Initiative through Antibodypedia, which validates antibody specificity with gene silencing techniques.

YCHAROS Logo

YCharOs Antibody Characterization Initiative

Bio-Techne has partnered with YCharOs, Inc., an open science company that is committed to characterizing commercial antibodies for every human protein.