ReadyProbes™ Hydrophobic Barrier Pap Pen

The ReadyProbes Hydrophobic Barrier Pap Pen creates a water-repellent barrier when used on a microscope slide or coverslip. By lightly drawing a rectangle or circle around the tissue section or cells on the microscope slide, aqueous incubation reagents can be kept inside the circle or rectangle. Save precious reagents by incubating with less volume. The ReadyProbes Hydrophobic Barrier Pap Pen can also be used to keep reagents separate when more than one tissue section is mounted on a microscope slide.

The light blue barrier line is heat resistant and compatible with most immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunofluorescence (IF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) reagents, including detergent-containing reagents. It is insoluble in alcohol and acetone, but can be removed with clearing agent (e.g., xylene).

To use, dab the nib of the pen on a paper towel, to make sure the flow of the hydrophobic fluid is uninterrupted. Lightly trace a circle or rectangle around the tissue/cells 2-4 times, with a thick line, while keeping a few millimeters distance from the edge of the tissue/cells. Let the line dry for 20-30 minutes at room temperature. Repeat the process, if needed.