Bio-Trac Rolls Out Comprehensive Antibody Validation Workshop Featuring Hands-on Lab Exercises
By Ezekiel Kelley
June 22, 2023
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As the field of biotechnology rapidly advances, the integrity and reproducibility of scientific research are of paramount importance. Misidentification and cross-contamination of reagents, especially antibodies, have been recognized as leading contributors to the reproducibility crisis in scientific research.
Understanding and validating antibodies’ role and function is therefore an essential skill in today’s research landscape.
Recognizing this need, Bio-Trac at Montgomery Community College in Maryland, designed a unique two-day workshop focused on this. Open to the scientific community, Bio-Trac workshops are designed by active researchers for bench and research scientists with focus on the latest relevant techniques necessary for laboratory research. Bio-Trac clients represent every major sector of the biotechnology industry and include attendees from across the globe.
Their antibody validation program is an invaluable resource for scientists, offering practical, hands-on experience in the field, and promising to significantly enhance the reliability of research outcomes. Dive into the details of this innovative workshop and discover how it’s shaping the future of biotech research.
This state-of-the-art course illuminates the types of artifacts associated with antibodies, equipping participants with a multitude of validation methods that can be seamlessly incorporated into research and academic laboratories.
Antibodies, specifically monoclonal antibodies, are among the most critical laboratory reagents. Still, they are also recognized as a leading contributor to the reproducibility crisis in scientific research. This novel Bio-Trac course addresses these challenges by illuminating the factors that can compromise the validity of data produced with antibodies. In this rapidly evolving life science landscape, two particular skills have emerged as top requirements for life science professionals in 2023 – proficiency in flow cytometry and western blot.
A distinctive highlight of this course is the focus on hands-on lab exercises, providing participants with real-world experiences that solidify their theoretical knowledge:
Antibody Validation by Immunoprecipitation/SDS-PAGE/Western Blotting: This exercise teaches participants how to validate antibodies using these common lab techniques, focusing on identifying the correct protein target and ensuring specificity. Mastery of Western Blotting is a sought-after skill in the contemporary life science sector.
Antibody Validation by Flow Cytometry: Flow cytometry is another key skill that life science employers are increasingly seeking in their prospective employees. Participants will learn how to use this powerful technique for antibody validation, identifying their targets in a cell population based on specific protein markers.
Validating Antibody Avidity with Biosensors: Participants will explore how biosensors can be utilized to determine the strength of the antibody-antigen interaction, a key aspect of antibody functionality.
As the responsibility of verifying the integrity and identity of laboratory reagents is increasingly falling on researchers, the end-users of these reagents, this workshop is an indispensable resource. The course delivers hands-on training with techniques and equipment readily available in most laboratories, ensuring scientists are better equipped to handle antibodies in their research.
This Bio-Trac course is a must for anyone who relies on antibodies in their research. It promotes good scientific practices and serves as a preventative measure against unnecessary waste of research resources due to antibody-related issues.
By offering a thorough understanding and practical experience in antibody validation, Bio-Trac continues to be a leader in the region and continue its commitment to fostering innovation and integrity in scientific research.
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Passion. It’s what makes Cat tick. Born and raised in Baltimore, Cat is a former Division-I lacrosse athlete (Hofstra ’09), entrepreneur, and mom of three (crazy) boys. Over the last 12 years, she’s built and led countless teams (on the field, in the gym, and in the office), scaled programs and brands (in both scope and geography), and driven growth and impact in nearly everything she touches. She loves being part of something bigger than herself and has found a new home within the life sciences as BioBuzz’s Head of Marketing.
