Functional grade means the antibody has been purified and formulated specifically for use in a live animal or functional assay — free from preservatives (e.g. sodium azide), stabilisers and carrier proteins like BSA, with low, defined endotoxin levels and validated activity in functional applications such as depletion, blocking or neutralisation, not just in a binding assay.

Low Endotoxin format is ≤1.0 EU/mg as determined by the LAL method; Ultra-Low Endotoxin is ≤0.5 EU/mg and is Pathogen-free (IDEXX Impact tested). Ultra-low endotoxin is recommended where minimising background immune activation is critical, such as sensitive in vivo dosing studies.

Yes — matched isotype control antibodies (e.g. Rat IgG2b, Mouse IgG1/IgG2b, Armenian Hamster IgG) are available in the same low and ultra-low endotoxin formats as the targeting antibodies, so you can run a proper negative control alongside your study antibody.

Yes. In addition to in vivo functional studies (e.g. tumour growth studies, T-cell/B-cell depletion), these antibodies are validated for in vitro functional assays such as blocking, neutralisation and activation, and many are also suitable for 3D organoid and organ-on-chip applications.

Functional grade preclinical antibodies may be stored sterile as received at 2-8°C for up to one month. For longer-term storage, aseptically aliquot into working volumes without diluting and store at -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Yes — alongside this monoclonal range, Assay Genie offers bispecific in vivo antibodies for dual-target engagement studies and VivoGenie biosimilar antibodies engineered to replicate reference biologics for preclinical efficacy work. See the range cards above.

Get in touch with our PhD-level scientific support team — we can advise on the closest validated alternative clone, endotoxin format, or discuss custom in vivo antibody development for your specific target.