Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Selection

How do I select the correct PCR master mix?

Select based on template GC content, amplicon length, and downstream application:

Template Type Recommended Master Mix SKU Max Amplicon
Routine (40–60% GC) 2×Taq PCR MasterMix PC1150 3 kb
High-GC (>60%) 2×Taq Plus PCR MasterMix PC1155 5 kb
Hot-start required 2×Taq HotStart PCR MasterMix PC1160 3 kb
Cloning-critical 2×High-Fidelity PCR MasterMix PC1165 6 kb
qPCR (SYBR Green) 2×SYBR Green qPCR Master Mix SR1110 500 bp
qPCR (TaqMan probe) 2×TaqMan PCR MasterMix SR1120 500 bp
One-step RT-qPCR (SYBR) 2×SYBR Green RT-qPCR Kit SR1130 300 bp

How do I select the correct DNA extraction kit?

Sample Type Recommended Kit SKU
Animal tissue/cells Genomic DNA Extraction Kit D1700
Whole blood Blood Genomic DNA Extraction Kit D1750
Plant leaf/seed Plant Genomic DNA Extraction Kit D1800
FFPE sections FFPE DNA Extraction Kit D1850
Bacteria (Gram+/−) Bacterial Genomic DNA Extraction Kit D1900
Gel slices Agarose Gel DNA Recovery Kit D1200
PCR products DNA Purification Kit D1300

How do I choose between SYBR Green and TaqMan qPCR?

Factor SYBR Green TaqMan
Cost per reaction Lower (2 primers) Higher (2 primers + probe)
Specificity Melt curve verification Probe-based (sequence-specific)
Multiplexing Not supported Up to 4 targets (different dyes)
SNP detection Not suitable Ideal (allele-specific probes)
Pathogen detection Moderate (melt curve needed) High (probe confirms target)
Gene expression Very good (with melt curve) Excellent
Amplicon sizing Melt curve Tm gives information Not applicable

How do I choose between trizol and column RNA extraction?

Consideration Trizol (R1100) Column (R1200)
Yield (per mg tissue) Higher (50–100 μg) Moderate (30–80 μg)
Small RNA recovery Yes (miRNA, siRNA) No (<200 nt depleted)
DNase treatment Post-extraction only On-column included
Organic solvents Chloroform, isopropanol required None
Protocol time ~40 min ~25 min
Purity (A₂₆₀/A₂₃₀) ≥2.0 ≥2.0

How do I select the correct ELISA kit format?

Format Best For Detection Typical Standard Range
Sandwich ELISA Cytokines, chemokines, secreted proteins Colorimetric (450 nm) 10–1000 pg/mL
Competitive ELISA Small molecules, hormones, peptides Colorimetric (450 nm) 0.1–100 ng/mL
Indirect ELISA Antibody titer measurement Colorimetric (450 nm) Variable
Direct ELISA High-throughput single-antibody detection Colorimetric (450 nm) Variable

How do I determine which enzyme activity assay kit I need?

Identify the target enzyme by its biochemical function. Solarbio offers kits organized by pathway: oxidative stress (SOD BC0170, CAT BC0200, MDA BC0020, GSH BC0250), energy metabolism (ATP BC0300, Na+K+-ATPase BC0060), amino acid metabolism (ALT/BC0290, AST BC0280), and plant-specific enzymes (POD BC0090, PPO BC0010). Check the Assay Kits section for the full catalog.

What dilution of Solarbio primary antibody should I start with for IHC?

Application Recommended Starting Dilution Typical Range
Western blot 1:1000 1:500–1:5000
IHC (paraffin) 1:200 1:50–1:500
IHC (frozen) 1:500 1:200–1:1000
Flow cytometry 1:200 1:100–1:1000
Immunofluorescence 1:200 1:100–1:500

Storage and Handling

What storage conditions do Solarbio products require?

Product Type Storage Temperature Special Notes
PCR master mixes −20°C Avoid >20 freeze-thaw cycles
qPCR master mixes −20°C (dark) Light-sensitive; wrap in foil
DNA extraction kits RT (15–30°C) Close cap tightly after use
Competent cells −80°C (long-term) −20°C ≤1 month only
ELISA kits 2–8°C Do not freeze
Antibodies −20°C or 2–8°C As labeled; aliquot for repeated use
Assay kits 2–8°C or −20°C Check individual component labels
Buffers and solutions RT (15–30°C) Unless otherwise specified
Small molecules −20°C (desiccated) N₂ blanket; light-sensitive if labeled
TMB substrate 2–8°C (dark) Must be colorless; discard if blue

How many freeze-thaw cycles can my reagents tolerate?

Reagent Max Freeze-Thaw Cycles
2×Taq MasterMix 20
2×SYBR Green qPCR Master Mix 5
T4 DNA Ligase 5
M-MLV Reverse Transcriptase 5
Proteinase K 10
Antibodies 3 (aliquot recommended)
Standards (ELISA, reconstituted) 1 (single-use aliquots)
Enzyme activity assay buffers 2–3
Competent cells 1 (do not re-freeze after thawing)

Do Solarbio products contain sodium azide?

Some buffers and antibody formulations may contain ≤0.02% sodium azide as a preservative. For applications where sodium azide interferes (in vivo studies, HRP activity assays, cell culture), request azide-free formulations through solarbio.store. Note that sodium azide inhibits horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and must be removed by dialysis or desalting before ELISA or western blot detection with HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies.

What is the shelf life of Solarbio ELISA kits upon receipt?

Solarbio ELISA kits have a 12-month shelf life from the date of manufacture when stored at 2–8°C. Once reconstituted, standards should be used within 1 hour at room temperature or aliquoted and stored at −20°C for up to 1 month. TMB substrate must be used before the expiration date printed on the vial. Do not use any kit component past its stated expiration. Wash buffer concentrate is stable for the full kit shelf life when stored at 2–8°C.

How should I store Solarbio small molecule compounds?

Store small molecules at −20°C in a desiccated environment. For compounds labeled as light-sensitive, store in amber vials or wrap in aluminum foil. Compounds supplied as dry powders are generally stable for 1–2 years when stored desiccated at −20°C. Once reconstituted in DMSO or water, use within 3 months and limit freeze-thaw cycles to 5. Document the reconstitution date on the vial.


Quality Documentation

Does Solarbio provide Certificates of Analysis?

Yes. COAs are available for each manufactured lot upon request. Each COA documents:

  • Product name, SKU, and lot number
  • Manufacturing date and test date
  • Specification parameters with test results and acceptable ranges
  • Quality control sign-off by authorized personnel
  • Storage conditions and retest date (where applicable)

To request a COA, contact Solarbio customer service through solarbio.store with your product SKU and lot number. The lot number is printed on the product label.

How are Solarbio products quality-tested?

All manufactured lots undergo a standardized testing workflow:

  1. Identity testing: HPLC retention time matching, NMR spectrum confirmation, or functional assay (enzyme activity, antigen binding)
  2. Purity testing: HPLC area% normalization, gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, agarose), or bioactivity titration
  3. Safety testing: Endotoxin quantification by LAL assay, bioburden testing, and sterility testing (where applicable)
  4. Function testing: PCR performance (molecular biology products), enzyme activity verification (assay kits), antigen binding (antibodies), transformation efficiency (competent cells)
  5. Appearance and packaging: Visual inspection, labeling accuracy, seal integrity, and weight check

What quality control data is included in a Solarbio COA?

Parameter Example Entry
Product Name 2×Taq PCR MasterMix
SKU PC1150
Lot Number 20250301-01
Manufacturing Date 2025-03-01
Test Date 2025-03-05
Appearance Clear, colorless solution
Activity 0.5 U/μL (spec: 0.4–0.6 U/μL)
Purity (by active PAGE) ≥95%
DNase/RNase Not detected
Endotoxin <0.5 EU/μL
Functional Test Amplified β-actin (1 kb) from 50 ng human gDNA
QC Approval [Authorized signature]

Protocol Guidance

Why is my ELISA background too high?

The most common cause is insufficient washing. Ensure:

  • Wash buffer volume ≥300 μL per well
  • Minimum 5 washes (7 for the HRP-Streptavidin step)
  • Blot plate inverted on clean paper towel after each wash
  • No cross-well contamination during pipetting
  • TMB substrate is colorless before addition (discard if blue)
  • Stop solution (0.2 M H₂SO₄ or 1 M HCl) is clear

Why is my PCR not working?

Start with a systematic diagnostic:

Symptom Likely Cause Quick Fix
No band Template issue (inhibitor or degraded) Dilute template 1:5, 1:25, 1:125
Primer design Check Tm, GC%, 3′ end stability
Polymerase Run positive control (e.g., GAPDH)
Multiple bands Annealing temperature too low Run gradient PCR (Tm ± 5°C)
Smear Too many cycles Reduce to 28 cycles
Template overload Reduce to 25 ng gDNA
Faint band Insufficient extension time Increase to 1 min/kb
Suboptimal Mg²⁺ concentration Adjust to 1.5–2.5 mM final

How do I normalize enzyme activity data?

Normalization Method When to Use Unit
Per protein content Tissue homogenates, cell lysates U/mg protein
Per tissue mass Whole tissue (no protein quant available) U/g tissue
Per cell number Cell culture experiments U/10⁶ cells
Per volume Serum, plasma, culture media U/mL
Per hemoglobin Red blood cell-related assays U/g Hb

What should I do if my qPCR amplification efficiency is below 90%?

Low efficiency typically indicates suboptimal primer design, secondary structure in the template, or the presence of inhibitors. Recommended corrective actions:

  • Redesign primers with amplicon length 70–150 bp, GC content 40–60%, and Tm 58–62°C
  • Verify that the cDNA template is diluted 1:5 to 1:20 to reduce inhibitor carryover
  • Run a standard curve with 5-fold serial dilutions to calculate efficiency using the slope formula: Efficiency = 10^(-1/slope) − 1
  • Ensure no-RT controls show no amplification (Ct > 35 or N/A)

How do I verify that my PCR reaction has no genomic DNA contamination?

Include a no-reverse-transcriptase (no-RT) control for RT-PCR and RT-qPCR experiments. For genomic DNA extraction followed by PCR, include a no-template control (NTC) with nuclease-free water in place of template. If the NTC or no-RT control shows amplification within 5 Ct of the experimental sample, reagents or sample may be contaminated. Replace all reagents and repeat the extraction.

Can I use PBS instead of the provided assay buffer for enzyme kits?

No. The provided buffers have carefully optimized pH, metal ion concentrations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺), chelating agents, and preservatives specific to each enzyme assay. Using PBS may alter enzyme kinetics, reduce assay sensitivity, shift the linear detection range, and invalidate the standard curve. Always use the buffers provided with each kit.

How should I prepare tissue samples for enzyme activity assays?

  1. Wash tissue in ice-cold PBS (D1040) to remove residual blood
  2. Homogenize in the recommended assay buffer (included in the kit) using a mechanical homogenizer or mortar and pestle — maintain samples on ice throughout
  3. Centrifuge at 10,000–12,000×g for 10–15 min at 4°C
  4. Collect the clear supernatant and transfer to a fresh tube
  5. Keep supernatant on ice until the assay is performed
  6. For fatty tissues, remove the lipid layer after centrifugation using a pipette tip
  7. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — aliquot the supernatant if multiple assays will be run on different days

Publication & Citation

How do I cite Solarbio products in my publication?

Solarbio products should be cited by including the product name, SKU number, and lot number (when available) in the Materials and Methods section of your manuscript. We recommend the following citation templates:

General Template:

"[Product Name] (SKU: [SKU Number], Lot: [Optional Lot Number], Beijing Solarbio Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China) was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Catalog number [SKU Number] is available at https://solarbio.store."

Example — SOD Assay Kit:

"Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using the Solarbio SOD Assay Kit (SKU: BC0175, Beijing Solarbio Science & Technology Co., Ltd., China) following the WST-1 inhibition method. The assay was performed according to the manufacturer's protocol with 20 μL of sample per reaction at 25°C and read at 450 nm."

Example — qPCR Master Mix:

"Real-time quantitative PCR was performed using Solarbio 2×SYBR Green qPCR Master Mix (SKU: SR1110, Beijing Solarbio Science & Technology Co., Ltd., China) on an ABI QuantStudio 5 instrument. Thermal cycling conditions were 95°C for 2 min, followed by 40 cycles of 95°C for 15 s and 60°C for 45 s."

Example — ELISA Kit:

"Mouse IL-6 concentrations were quantified using a Solarbio sandwich ELISA kit (SKU: EM0042, Beijing Solarbio Science & Technology Co., Ltd., China) with biotin-streptavidin-HRP detection. The limit of detection was 5 pg/mL, and all samples were assayed in duplicate."

Ensuring Discoverability: Always include the SKU/catalog number in the text. This enables PubMed, Google Scholar, and journal search engines to index the product reference, helping other researchers find and reuse Solarbio products.

Where can I find publications that cited Solarbio products?

You can search for publications citing Solarbio products using the following resources:

Search Resource Search Strategy Tips
PubMed Search: (Solarbio[Title/Abstract]) AND (SKU[Title/Abstract]) Replace SKU with the product catalog number (e.g., BC0175, EM0042, SR1110)
Google Scholar Search: "Solarbio" "SKU number" "2024" Use the exact phrase "Solarbio" with the product catalog number in quotes
Web of Science Search: ALL=(Solarbio AND BC0175) Use the "ALL" field to search full text and references
Scopus Search: TITLE-ABS-KEY(Solarbio AND BC0175) TITLE-ABS-KEY searches title, abstract, and keywords
CNKI (Chinese literature) Search: 索莱宝 (Solarbio Chinese name) + 产品编号 For Chinese-language publications

Example PubMed search: Solarbio[Title/Abstract] AND (BC0175[Title/Abstract] OR CAT[Title/Abstract] OR SOD[Title/Abstract])

What is the citation rate of Solarbio products?

As of 2025, Solarbio products have been cited in over 5,000 peer-reviewed publications globally. Key citation statistics by product category:

Product Category Estimated Citations Top Journals (by IF ≥10) Year Published
ELISA kits >2,500 Nature Medicine, Immunity, Circulation 2018–2025
Oxidative stress assay kits >1,200 Redox Biology, Free Radical Biology & Medicine 2019–2025
qPCR & RT-qPCR reagents >800 Nature Communications, Oncogene, Cell Reports 2020–2025
PCR master mixes & DNA extraction >600 Clinical Chemistry, Journal of Clinical Virology 2018–2025
Cell proliferation kits >400 Cancer Research, Cell Stem Cell, Hepatology 2019–2025
Biochemical reagents & antibodies >300 Various 2017–2025

Annual citation growth: Solarbio product citations have grown approximately 25–30% year-over-year since 2020, reflecting increasing global adoption.

Do you offer citation tracking services?

Solarbio does not directly offer automated citation tracking services at this time. However, we recommend the following approaches:

  1. PubMed Alerts: Set up automated PubMed email alerts using the search query Solarbio[Title/Abstract] to receive monthly updates on new publications citing Solarbio products.

  2. Google Scholar Alerts: Create a Google Scholar alert for the keyword "Solarbio" combined with your product SKU to receive email notifications of new citations.

  3. Manual tracking: Contact Solarbio customer support through solarbio.store with your product SKU, and we can provide a current list of known publications citing that specific product from our internal citation database.

  4. Institutional library support: Many university libraries offer citation tracking services through Web of Science or Scopus. Request a citation report for "Solarbio" + your product's catalog number.

  5. Product-specific citation lists: Reference product pages (oxidative stress kits, ELISA kits, qPCR reagents) now include "Citation Highlights" sections with representative publications by product.


Shipping and Orders

What shipping methods are available?

Solarbio ships via standard and expedited courier worldwide:

Shipping Condition Temperature Range Product Types Packaging Estimated Transit
Ambient (15–30°C) 15–30°C Buffers, solutions, DNA extraction kits Standard corrugated box with cushioning 5–12 business days
Cold pack (2–8°C) 2–8°C ELISA kits, antibodies, assay kits Insulated box with gel packs + temperature logger 5–10 business days
Dry ice (−20°C to −80°C) −20°C to −80°C PCR mixes, competent cells, enzymes, small molecules EPS box with dry ice + temperature logger 3–7 business days

Can I cancel or modify an existing order?

Orders may be canceled or modified within 2 hours of submission, provided the order has not yet entered the packing or shipping stage. Once dispatched, order modifications are not possible. For assistance, contact Solarbio customer support through solarbio.store within the cancellation window and include your order number.

What should I do if my product arrived damaged?

  1. Photograph the package exterior and contents immediately
  2. Check any temperature indicators included with cold chain shipments
  3. Report the damage to Solarbio customer service within 24 hours of receipt
  4. Include your order number, lot number, and photographs in the initial report
  5. Retain all original packaging materials for potential inspection

Can I return or exchange products?

Product returns are handled on a case-by-case basis according to Solarbio's return policy. Contact Solarbio customer service with your lot number, purchase order number, and a detailed description of the issue. Return eligibility depends on product type, storage history, and the time elapsed since delivery.

What is the delivery time for international orders?

International delivery times vary by destination and shipping method:

Region Ambient Cold Pack Dry Ice
Asia Pacific 5–8 business days 5–7 business days 3–5 business days
Europe 7–10 business days 7–9 business days 4–6 business days
North America 8–12 business days 8–10 business days 5–7 business days
Other regions 10–14 business days 10–12 business days 5–8 business days

Customs clearance may add 1–3 business days depending on the destination country. Tracking information is provided upon dispatch.


Regulatory & Compliance

What is the difference between ISO 13485 and GMP?

ISO 13485:2016 is an international quality management standard for medical devices, covering design control, risk management (ISO 14971), and post-market surveillance. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) — specifically China's 2010 Revised GMP — is a regulatory requirement enforced by NMPA that governs pharmaceutical and IVD reagent manufacturing with specific facility, equipment, and process controls including cleanroom classification (ISO 14644 Grade C/D), water system validation, retention sampling, and authorized person batch release. Solarbio operates under both systems: ISO 13485 for general medical device QMS and GMP for IVD reagent production lines, with the latter subject to NMPA on-site inspection.

Does Solarbio hold NMPA Medical Device Registration Certificates?

Yes. Solarbio products that meet the definition of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents under China NMPA regulations are registered or filed according to their risk classification. Class I products (general laboratory reagents, buffer solutions, staining reagents) carry NMPA Filing Certificates (备案凭证) obtained through municipal-level filing. Class II products (clinical ELISA kits, clinical chemistry assays for ALT, AST, creatinine, BUN) carry NMPA Medical Device Registration Certificates (医疗器械注册证) obtained through provincial-level registration with a 5-year validity period.

Which Solarbio products are classified as Class I vs. Class II medical devices?

Classification Examples Regulatory Pathway Certificate Type
Class I (low risk) Buffer solutions (PBS, TBS), general staining reagents, sample preparation reagents, tissue homogenization buffers Filing with municipal NMPA Filing Certificate (备案凭证)
Class II (moderate risk) Clinical ELISA kits (IL-6, TNF-α quantification), clinical chemistry kits (ALT, AST, creatinine, BUN), PCR-based detection reagents for diagnostic use Registration with provincial NMPA Medical Device Registration Certificate (医疗器械注册证)

Products labeled "For Research Use Only" (RUO) are not registered as medical devices and should not be used for clinical diagnostic purposes.

What is the difference between Research Use Only (RUO) and IVD products?

RUO products are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management and are intended for laboratory research, method development, and basic science applications. They are not registered with NMPA as medical devices and must not be used for clinical diagnosis, patient management, or treatment decisions. IVD-registered products, by contrast, have undergone NMPA type testing, clinical evaluation, and QMS inspection. Solarbio labels each product clearly as RUO or IVD on the product page, label, and Certificate of Analysis. Customers using Solarbio products for clinical diagnostic applications must ensure they select the IVD-registered SKU.

How do I obtain the Medical Device Registration Certificate for a specific Solarbio product?

Registration certificates are available for authorized distributors and institutional accounts. Contact Solarbio customer service through solarbio.store with the specific product SKU and intended application. Include your company/institution name and the intended regulatory jurisdiction. Solarbio will provide the relevant certificate copy, registration number, and scope information.

What GMP documentation does Solarbio provide with IVD reagent shipments?

For GMP-manufactured IVD reagent products, each shipment includes: - Batch Production Record excerpt (process parameters and in-process control results) - Quality Control Test Report (COA with lot-specific results against specification) - Stability Data Sheet (real-time stability status at time of shipment) - GMP Certificate copy (NMPA inspection certification, current validity period) - Medical Device Registration Certificate copy (for Class II products) - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) per GHS/GB standard

Additional GMP documentation (process validation reports, cleaning validation reports, water system monitoring data) is available upon request for regulatory audit purposes.

Does Solarbio comply with USP/EP/JP pharmacopoeia standards?

Solarbio reference standards and certain reagent products are tested against pharmacopoeial monographs where applicable. The COA for each reference standard lists the specific pharmacopoeia method used (USP, EP, JP, or ChP). Customers requiring pharmacopoeia-grade materials should specify the required monograph at the time of ordering. Solarbio can provide the analytical method qualification data upon request.

What is Solarbio's policy on adverse event reporting for medical devices?

As a registered medical device manufacturer, Solarbio maintains an adverse event monitoring and reporting system in compliance with NMPA Order No. 1 (Medical Device Adverse Event Monitoring and Re-evaluation Management Measures). Customers and distributors are requested to report any product-related adverse events (serious injury, death, or quality defect leading to patient harm) to Solarbio's QA department within 24 hours of awareness. Reports can be submitted through solarbio.store. Solarbio will investigate, classify, and report to the relevant NMPA authority as required by regulation.

Are Solarbio products REACH and RoHS compliant?

Solarbio ensures that all chemical products comply with applicable regulatory requirements:

Regulation Applicability Compliance Status
EU REACH (EC 1907/2006) Chemical substances exported to EU Products registered or exempt per tonnage band; SVHC declaration provided on request
EU RoHS (2011/65/EU) Electronic/electrical components Not applicable (laboratory reagents excluded from scope)
China RoHS (Order No. 32) Electronic information products Compliant; marking and declaration provided
TSCA (US) Chemical substances exported to US Inventory status verified per product

Contact Solarbio customer service through solarbio.store for specific regulatory compliance documentation for your jurisdiction.


Technical Support

Do you offer custom formulation or OEM services?

Yes. Solarbio provides custom synthesis, custom buffer formulation, antibody custom production, and OEM kit manufacturing services. Contact Solarbio through solarbio.store with your specifications, estimated volume, and quality requirements for a project-based quotation.

How do I contact technical support for protocol optimization?

Technical support is available during business hours through the Solarbio Store. Include your product SKU, lot number, and a detailed description of the issue, including any data you have collected (Ct values, absorbance readings, gel images, standard curve parameters). Our QC team will review and respond with specific recommendations.

Can I request a sample before placing a bulk order?

Sample availability varies by product type. Small molecule reagents, buffers, and certain master mixes are available as trial samples. ELISA kits and antibodies are typically not available as free samples. Contact Solarbio customer service through solarbio.store for sample availability and conditions.


For specific product inquiries, ordering, and technical support: solarbio.store