Essential Consumables for Spatial Biology:

The foundation of any spatial biology experiment is high-integrity tissue. This means preserving both structural and molecular fidelity from the start.

Key consumables include:

• Fixation reagents: Avantor offers high-purity 10% neutral buffered formalin and 4%paraformaldehyde (PFA) suitable for FFPE workflows. For frozen samples, rapid freezing agents, isopentane, and cryopreservation products such as OCT embedding media and RNase-free cryomolds are critical.
• Embedding and sectioning accessories: Tissue processing cassettes, paraffin wax, and disposable embedding molds are available for both paraffin and cryo-embedding.
• Cold chain transport & storage: Sterile cryovials, insulated sample containers, and dry ice-compatible transport boxes keep tissues stable from collection through to lab processing.

Avantor Advantage: Our wide selection of molecular biology-grade products ensures RNA and protein integrity is preserved right from sample collection. 

Proper sectioning and mounting are key to downstream spatial accuracy. Tissues are typically sectioned into 5–10 µm slices using microtomes or cryostats.

Essential consumables: 

• Sectioning blades: High-grade disposable microtome blades and cryostat knives help minimize tissue artifacts.
• Tissue handling tools: Avantor supplies antistatic brushes, RNase-free forceps, and fine spatulas ideal for delicate tissue sections.
• Coated slides: We provide a full range of poly-L-lysine and positively charged slides for optimal tissue adhesion.
• Barcoded spatial slides: For spatial transcriptomics, barcoded glass slide arrays with capture oligonucleotides are available. These slides are essential for workflows like 10x Genomics Visium and similar platforms.
• Slide storage and tracking: Labeling tools, desiccant-lined storage boxes, and slide mailers ensure sample traceability and preservation.

Once mounted, tissue sections must be processed to expose RNA or protein targets while preserving morphology.

Key pretreatment reagents: 

• Deparaffinization solvents: Avantor offers histology-grade xylene, ethanol gradients, and dewaxing reagents.
• Antigen retrieval buffers: pH 6 citrate and pH 9 Tris-EDTA buffers (available in ready-to-use or concentrate formats).
• Permeabilization and fixation reagents: Cold acetone, methanol, or mild PFA for cryosections; Triton X-100 and enzymatic digestion reagents for permeabilization.
• Nuclease-free products: Certified RNase/DNase-free water, tubes, pipette tips, and surface cleaners ensure transcript integrity.

Avantor Advantage: We offer molecular-grade buffers and detergents that are tested for compatibility with sensitive tissue and RNA analysis workflows.

This is the analytical heart of the spatial biology workflow, enabling visualization or sequencing of molecular targets within their native tissue environment.

4A: RNA Labeling – Spatial Transcriptomics

• Spatial transcriptomics kits: Complete kits for RNA capture, reverse transcription, cDNA synthesis, and barcoding are available through Avantor. These include compatible enzymes, primer sets, and indexing tools.
• In situ hybridization (ISH) reagents: We carry hybridization buffers, gene panel probe sets, and control reagents for methods like RNAscope, MERFISH, and seqFISH.
• Amplification reagents: PCR and isothermal amplification mixes, purification beads, and fluorophore-labeled probes are stocked for both targeted and untargeted transcriptomics.

4B: Protein Labeling – Spatial Proteomics

• Primary antibodies: Avantor offers a vast selection of antibodies validated for IHC/IF across multiple species and tissues.
• Detection reagents: Fluorophore-conjugated secondaries (e.g. Alexa Fluor® lines), enzyme-linked antibodies for chromogenic detection, and multiplex panels are available.
• Blocking buffers and wash solutions: BSA, serum-based, and proprietary blocking agents reduce background.
• Histological counterstains: H&E kits, DAPI, Hoechst, and specialized stains (e.g. Masson’s trichrome, PAS) complement molecular data with histological detail.

Avantor Advantage: Our antibody selection spans multiple brands and species, with options for high-plex staining and spectral imaging workflows.

After labeling, tissues are analyzed by high-resolution imaging or next-generation sequencing.

Consumables to support detection include:

• Cover slips & mounting media: We provide optical-grade cover glasses and anti-fade mounting media optimized for fluorescence imaging.
• Imaging-compatible plates: Multi-well optical-bottom chamber slides and plates for high-content microscopy are available.
• Sequencing prep kits: Avantor offers adapters, enzymes, and bead-based cleanup systems for NGS-ready spatial libraries.
• Sequencing reagents: While platform-specific, many sequencing consumables and custom primers are sourced via Avantor for convenience.

Avantor Advantage: Whether you're capturing high-res images or preparing sequencing libraries, we provide the labware to protect signal integrity and minimize loss.