How stable* are microspheres?
Provided that microspheres are stored in the supplied buffer, and in accordance with our recommendations, they should have the following stabilities: • Non-functionalized (plain polymer) and COOH-, or NH2-functionalized microspheres are considered to be stable indefinitely. • Pre-activated microspheres – 6 months from the date of manufacture. • Magnetic microspheres are considered to be stable indefinitely. • Dyed (colored) microspheres are considered to be stable indefinitely (color and surface for coating). • Fluorescent microspheres are considered to be stable indefinitely, although photobleaching from exposure to light could limit the shelf life, particularly for those with surface-attached fluorophore (see also comments for Flow Cytometry products, below). • ProActive® (protein-coated) products – 2 years from date of coating (see Certificate of Analysis). A minimal decrease in activity (generally 10% or less) may be observed over the full two-year period. • Flow Cytometry products
