Instant Pot for antigen retrieval: a simple, safeand economical method for use in immunohistochemistry.

Abstract

Here, the authors report a simple method to perform antigen retrieval using a commonly available commercial Instant Pot® for immunohistochemistry. It provides a validated alternative to previous antigen retrieval methods that employ water baths, microwave ovensor scientific-grade pressure cookers. The Instant Pot can be set to obtain a variety of desired temperatures and is straightforward to use, making it extremely amenable to optimization. The Instant Pot method is an easy, safeand inexpensive alternative means to perform immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. It has been validated using several different monoclonal antibodies including ones directed against cell surface or intracellular antigens. As a result, it should be useful for a variety of research labs as well as undergraduate laboratory courses.