Methods for generating stabilized lyophilized materials
Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided.
1. A method of making a composition of stabilized, lyophilized PCR reagents comprising:
(a) combining a solid object which may have a diameter or length in its longest dimension of between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm or between about 1 mm to about 2 mm, one or more lyophilization reagents, and one or more PCR reagents in a receptacle;
(b) lyophilizing the solid object, the one or more lyophilization reagents, and the one or more PCR reagents to form lyophilized PCR reagents;
(c) adding a solid wax to the lyophilized PCR reagents in a receptacle;
(d) heating both the wax and the lyophilized PCR reagents in the receptacle to melt the wax and impregnate the lyophilized PCR reagents with the wax; and
(e) re-solidifying the wax to form stabilized, lyophilized PCR reagents.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid object is a ceramic ball, glass ball, magnetic ball, or metal ball.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lyophilization reagents comprise one or more of trehalose, dextran, mannitol, sucrose, raffinose, or a combination thereof.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (d) is performed under vacuum.