Cytokines can be very labile. How should I handle cytokine proteins for greatest stability / shelflife?
Follow the specific instructions on each product datasheet. However, in general, the key considerations are the following: 1) always quick-spin vials prior to opening, 2) rehydrate in water (or recommended buffer) to 0.1 ug/ul; invert for 5 minutes at RT, quick-spin, 3) dilute further (ONLY) in a buffered saline which contains 1.0% BSA or 10% FBS as a protein carrier/stabilizer, 4) maintain the master stock at cytokine concentrations of at least 10 ug/ml (long term), 5) make aliquots to minimize the number of freeze/thaw cycles. If the aliquots are frozen, avoid freezers with thermal cycling (e.g., frost-free).
