Antifade mounting medium (glycerol + n-propyl gallate) recipe
A homemade mountant that slows photobleaching of fluorescent samples: 90% glycerol, 1X PBS and n-propyl gallate.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerol | 9 mL | 90% |
| 10X PBS | 1 mL | 1X |
| 20% n-propyl gallate (in DMSO) | 100 µL | ≈0.2% |
Steps
- Mix the glycerol and 10X PBS thoroughly.
- Add the n-propyl gallate solution dropwise while stirring rapidly.
- Aliquot and store dark at −20 °C.
Good to know
- Seal coverslip edges with nail polish to prevent drying.
FAQ
How does it compare with commercial mountants?
Fine for short-term imaging; for long storage or hard-setting, commercial products are easier.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.