Can I use my tandem dye antibody (e.g., Alexa Fluor 610-R-phycoerythrin) for microscopy?
Tandem dyes are not recommended for imaging applications. Both R-PE or APC tend to photobleach quickly and cannot be archived. Any unfolding of the phycobiliprotein would result in loss of fluorescence. They work great in flow cytometry applications.
How should I store my allophycocyanin (APC)-conjugated antibody?
Allophycocyanin-conjugated antibodies must be stored at 2-8 degrees C. Antibodies conjugated to phycobiliproteins (APC, R-PE) must never be frozen. Once frozen, even briefly, they are no longer usable.