Conjugated Primary Antibodies

Many protein analysis techniques utilize antibodies to detect analytes in complex biological samples. The antibodies used in these immunoassays, such as immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, Western blot, and ELISA, are typically conjugated to enzymatic or fluorescent labels that produce signals to visualize analyte detection. Both primary and secondary antibodies can be conjugated. The decision to use a conjugated primary antibody versus a conjugated secondary antibody is dependent upon whether the protein is being detected by direct or indirect methods.

  • Direct detection is a one-step labeling  procedure. It uses a primary conjugated antibody to identify the target analyte.
  • Indirect detection is a two-step labeling procedure. It utilizes an unconjugated primary antibody to bind to the target protein. A secondary antibody is then used to detect the bound primary antibody and produce the signal.

Bio-Techne offers an extensive collection of primary conjugated antibodies for your research needs.

View Our Conjugated Primary Antibodies

Benefits of Using a Primary Conjugated Antibody

Less Background Staining

Using a conjugated primary antibody for direct detection of analytes eliminates any non-specific binding that may occur with secondary antibodies, thereby reducing background signals.

Species Cross-Reactivity Minimized

Using a primary conjugated antibody for direct detection of analytes minimizes species cross-reactivity that may occur with secondary antibodies.

Procedures Simplified

Using a conjugated primary antibody for direct detection of analytes shortens protocols as only one labeling step is required.

Fluorescent Conjugates Available from Bio-Techne

Fluorescent conjugates use fluorochromes to produce a fluorescent signal. They become excited by absorbing a specific wavelength of light. The excited fluorescent dye will then emit light at a longer wavelength. Fluorescent-conjugated primary antibodies can be used for multiplex techniques including immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and FACS. Additionally, fluorescently labeled primary antibodies are ideal tools for multiplexing. The key is to choose fluorophores that have distinct absorption and emission spectra so that there is no cross-channel fluorescence. Bio-Techne offers a wide variety of fluorescent-labeled primary antibodies. Explore our antibodies by type of fluorescent conjugate.

R&D Systems Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated Human Cytokeratin 18 Monoclonal Antibody (Catalog # IC7619) detects Cytokeratin 18 in fixed HeLa cells.
Cytokeratin 18 in fixed HeLA cells.
Fluorescent Conjugate Excitation Wavelength (nm) Emission Wavelength (nm)  Emission Color
Alexa Fluor® 405  401 421 Blue
Alexa Fluor 350 346 442 Blue
NorthernLights™ 493 493 514 Green
Fluorescein (FITC) 498 519 Green
Alexa Fluor 488 490 525 Green
Phycoerythrin (PE) 565 (also 498) 573 Yellow
NorthernLights 557 557 574 Yellow
Alexa Fluor 594 590 617 Orange
NorthernLights 637 637 658 Red
Allophycocyanin (APC) 650 660 Red
Alexa Fluor 647 653 669 Red
PerCP 488 675 Red
Alexa Fluor 700 696 720 Near Infrared
Alexa Fluor 750 749 775 Near Infrared
Emission Colour Graphic

Enzyme Conjugates Available from Bio-Techne

In addition to fluorescent conjugates, antibodies can also be conjugated to enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). These enzymes catalyze chromogenic substrates to produce an insoluble, colored precipitate at the site of the antibody-antigen complex. Though the range of colored signals is not as extensive as that with fluorescent conjugates, chromogenic detection of analytes offers several advantages over fluorescence including being amenable to light microscopy and producing a longer lasting signal. Chromogenic detection is ideal for IHC, Western blot, and ELISA.

View Our HRP-Conjugated Primary Antibodies
View Our AP-Conjugated Primary Antibodies
R&D Systems HRP-conjugated Anti-HA Tag Peptide Monoclonal Antibody (Catalog # HAM0601) detects HA-tagged proteins by Western blot.
Detection of HA-tagged proteins by Western blot.

Products for Signal Amplification

Biotin-Conjugated Antibodies

If the expression of the target analyte is low, Biotin-conjugated antibodies can be used, in conjunction with a labeled-Streptavidin molecule, to amplify the detection signal.

Streptavidin Conjugates

Chromogenic- or fluorescent-conjugated Streptavidin is used with Biotin-conjugated antibodies to detect low expressed analytes. A single Streptavidin molecule can bind up to four Biotins, thus amplifying the detection signal.

VisUCyte™ HRP Polymer

The VisUCyte HRP Polymer from R&D Systems, a Bio-Techne brand, is a Biotin-free detection reagent for IHC. It overcomes the problems related to the Avidin-Biotin detection chemistry, thus producing cleaner IHC results.

Additional Antibody Products

Antibody Labeling Kits

The Lightning-Link™ Antibody Labeling Kits from Novus allows you to label primary antibodies in less than 30 seconds hands-on time. Over 40 fluorescent, enzymatic, and biotin labels are available.

Isotype Control Antibodies

We offer isotype control antibodies for negative controls. Our selection includes unconjugated- and conjugated- antibodies for many species and antibody isoforms.

Flow Cytometry Workflow Solutions

We offer a range of products for the entire flow cytometry workflow. Explore our portfolio of flow-validated antibodies and multicolor flow cytometry kits.

Additional Antibody Resources

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Handbook from BioTechne

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Handbook

Download Bio-Techne’s IHC Handbook to get information on techniques, protocols, and troubleshooting methods to help with your IHC experiment.

Flow cytometry handbook

Flow Cytometry Handbook

Download Bio-Techne’s Flow Cytometry Handbook to get detailed protocols and troubleshooting information for flow cytometry experiments.

western blot handbook cover

Western Blot Handbook

Request this Western Blot eHandbook from Bio-Techne to learn more about the principles of western blot, workflow and protocols, troubleshooting tips, and more.