The ImmEdge pen (H-4000) is an improvement over the PAP pen for tissue specimen preparation. Its hydrophobic barrier feature provides a stable, water-repellent barrier that keeps reagents localized on tissue specimens, preventing reagent mixing when multiple sections are mounted on the same slide.
The barrel of the ImmEdge Pen is composed of acetal plastic which allows for consistent tip retention, easier tip saturation, and improved fluid flow.
ImmEdge Hydrophobic PAP Barrier Pen Features:
Stable for use with buffers with and without detergent (Tween 20, Triton X-100, etc.)
Light blue barrier compatible with enzyme or fluorescence-based detection systems
Soluble in all commonly used clearing agents
Environmentally friendly – does not contain “ozone-depleting” substances as identified by the Montreal Protocol or the Council of the European Union
Specifications
More Information
Unit Size
2 pens
Applications
Immunohistochemistry / Immunocytochemistry, Immunofluorescence, In situ hybridization
What is the capacity of the ImmEdge Hydrophobic Barrier PAP Pen (H-4000)?
The volume of the ImmEdge Pen (H-4000) is about 6 mL. We have not characterized how many times it can be used or overall length of the barrier due to variability in its application.
What is the width of the nib/tip supplied with the ImmEdge pens?
The nib provided with each ImmEdge Pen is 3 mm wide.
Can I apply the ImmEdge Pen residue to wet slides?
Yes. The ImmEdge Pen residue contains a wax constituent that allows for application to microscope slides that have buffer or similar aqueous solutions on the surface. Applying the pen residue to wet slides does not affect adhesion of the residue nor interfere with the tissue section.
Does the ImmEdge Pen residue fluoresce?
Yes, the pen residue does fluoresce. However, this property does not limit the pens use to only light microscope applications. We routinely use the ImmEdge pen for immunofluorescent tissue staining applications. Usually the pen residue is applied well outside of the tissue section perimeter, and as such, the inherent fluorescent properties of the pen residue do not interfere with specific fluorescent signal.
I just received an ImmEdge Pen and when I took the cap off the nib fell out. Is the pen still functional?
Yes. The pen design ensures the nib can move and that the nib is not adhered to the pen itself. The nib needs to move so that once received the nib can be depressed to break the internal membrane to allow residue to flood the nib. In some instances, during shipping, the nib may become dislodged and fall out. Simply put the nib back into the neck of the pen and use as per the supplied instructions. Once the residue floods the nib, the nib material expands slightly to hold the nib within the pen neck.
How long do I leave the pen residue to dry on the slides before proceeding with the rest of the staining procedure?
The pen residue does contain a solvent that dries within seconds of being placed onto the slide. There is no requirement to wait for the residue to dry. In essence the residue dries the moment it is applied.
The ImmEdge Pen barrier is stable for use with buffers with and without detergent (e.g. Tween 20 or Triton X-100, etc.). The pale blue barrier is insoluble in alcohol and acetone, but is completely removed by all commonly used xylene and xylene substitute clearing agents. The barrel of the ImmEdge Pen is composed of acetal plastic which allows for consistent tip retention, easier tip saturation, and improved fluid flow.
Check out the video below on how to use a hydrophobic barrier pen.
Resources
5 reasons to use the ImmEdge PAP Pen in your immunostaining workflow
In this blog post, we cover 5 reasons you should add the ImmEdge® Hydrophobic Barrier PAP Pen from Vector Laboratories to your list of essential lab tools. Read More.
How to prevent tissue and reagent loss on your slides
You spend a lot of time collecting and preparing your tissue samples. Learn tips and tricks to ensure those samples are evenly stained and retained on your slides. Read More.
Start Right to Finish Well—The Importance of the Sample Preparation Process in Your IHC and IF Workflow
When it comes to IHC and IF a strong start is essential to great results. Explore our tips to help your sample preparation process. Read More.