Working with ELIspot Assays and want to know how long a working solution of detection antibodies in dPBS+0.05%FBS can last for, as we want to know if we can make up a large stock and instead of making up fresh every day?
Vanessa, there are 2 factors affecting the stability of your antibody dilution: 1) adsorption to the vial and 2) dilution dependent antibody stability. The FBS very likely is acting in your favour (that's why it has been added, i assume) but for your individual preparation, you might need to run a test to be on the safe side. If in doubt, adding BSA to a concentration of 1% m/v should do the trick.
Edit: For preservation, you may add sodium azide to 0.1% m/v, as long as no peroxidase is involved.
The answer is yes, you can make up a large volume and use it for an extended period of time, but the trick is to filter sterile the solution and keep the stock bottle sterile. Protein can be used by bacteria and fungi for food, and contaminate and degrade your solution.
I personally have stocks of solutions of dPBS with BSA or HSA or FBS that are many years old and they still work fine.
Vanessa Barriga i do agree with both the expert comments Gary Lee Gilmore and Wolfgang Schechinger
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