Protocols & FAQ
Access everything you need to get started with immunoMUSE®, including step-by-step protocol videos, written protocols for both immunoMUSE® Activate kits and immunoMUSE® Amplify kits, as well as answers to the most commonly asked questions.
immunoMUSE® Amplify Protocol
Part 1: Sample Pretreatment
immunoMUSE® Amplify Protocol
Part 2: Antibody Incubation
immunoMUSE® Amplify Protocol
Part 3: Amplification & Signal Development
immunoMUSE® Amplify Protocol
Part 4: Mounting & Imaging
Protocol PDF Downloads
immunoMUSE® Activate kit protocol
Download the full step-by-step protocol, covering all aspects of using the immunoMUSE® Activate kit, including troubleshooting.
immunoMUSE®
Amplify kit protocol
Download the full step-by-step protocol, covering all aspects of using the immunoMUSE® Amplify kit, including troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
MUSE® combines real multiplex signal amplification, high signal-to-noise, and a fast enzyme free workflow in one flexible platform. With no cycles, room-temperature processing, support for proteins and RNA, and compatibility across multiple assay formats, MUSE® is built to make advanced biomarker detection simpler and more scalable.
MUSE® is ideal for FFPE sections. It can also be used for adherent cells and fresh frozen sections.
The off-the-shelf immunoMUSE® Activate & Amplify kits allow to multiplex 2 or 4 targets simultaneously. If you need to multiplex more, discover our custom solutions for up to 7 targets, even combining IF and FISH.
Yes. MUSE®– activated primary antibodies of the same species or isotype can be used together without cross-reactivity. Each antibody is tagged with a unique MUSE® Activator, enabling simultaneous staining of the same sample.
No. Do not mix components from different kits, as this can negatively affect the staining outcome and may result in staining failure.
Antibody from any supplier can be used with MUSE®. However, the antibody must be supplied in a BSA- and azide-free buffer for conjugation with the MUSE® Activator.
100 ug of antibody at 1 mg/mL is the ideal starting material for all MUSE® conjugation kits.
Approximately 4–5 hours of hands-on time is involved, excluding incubation periods.
Less than a day is required, including pretreatment of the sample. The amplification is performed in two steps with 1.5 hours of incubation time.
No. It is strongly recommended to use this wash buffer after both amplification steps. It is crucial for the stability of the reaction.
Use equal amounts of dropper A + B (e.g. 2 drops each) in the first amplification step and dropper C + D (e.g. 2 drops each) in the second amplification step. Ensure that the amplification volumes are the same for both the first and second amplification steps.
No. Do not freeze any components in the kit since this can have a negative impact on the conjugation or staining.
MUSE®-activated antibodies can be stored at 4°C for at least a year.
We recommend including unconjugated antibody control or a no-antibody control slide processed with the amplifiers. In addition, matched isotype controls activated to the same MUSE® Activator can be used to assess nonspecific binding associated with antibody class, Fc-mediated interactions, charge effects, oligo loading, or nonspecific/sticky conjugate behavior.
Prolong Gold Antifade Mountant is recommended for immunoMUSE® stainings. Use 2XSSC buffer without Tween-20 for a fresh mounting.
Diffuse background signal may be distributed uniformly throughout the tissue and become detectable when the specific target signal is weak/absent. They may also appear at low intensity in negative controls, such as no-antibody controls. This nonspecific background should remain substantially lower in intensity than the specific target-associated staining.
Yes. Customized antibody conjugations are available upon request for an additional fee. Please contact us at contact@arcorisbio.com.
For any additional technical questions not addressed in this FAQ, please contact us at contact@arcorisbio.com.