Q: Which Phagocytosis Assay should I use?
A: The selection of the appropriate kit will be determined based on the desired phagocytosis substrate. Our phagocytosis assays use opsonized RBCs (#CBA-220), Zymosan particles (#CBA-224), or E.coli (#CBA-222) as a phagocytosis substrate.
Q: What phagocytes are compatible with these assays?
A: We used RAW 264.7 macrophages with our phagocytosis assays; however any phagocyte can be used.
Q: What media should I use?
A: The medium will be specific for the phagocyte that you are using. Any phagocyte can be used in this assay with the media that is regularly used for culturing that phagocyte.
Q: How are the results presented?
A: Our Phagoctyosis Assays are cell based assays and therefore do not have a standard curve. The results should be reported as relative comparisons of ODs (for example: no zymosan control, phagocyte sample, and phagocyte sample with treatment).
Q: Do the Phagocytosis Assays require opsonization of the substrate?
A: The red blood cells in #CBA-220 should be opsonized with the Opsonization Solution provided. The Zymosan used in CBA-224 is from yeast and is a natural pathogen for phagocytes; therefore it doesn’t require opsonization. However, if you prefer to opsonize Zymosan particles the best method is with serum from the same species as your phagocyte. Opsonization of E. coli particles is also optional and may be performed according to the Preparation of Reagents section of the product manual for #CBA-222.
Q: What is the zymosan particle?
A: Zymosan is a polysaccharide prepared from yeast cell wall and has an average diameter of 3um.