Stability of monoclonal IgM antibodies freeze-dried in the presence of trehalose.

We describe the use of the disaccharide trehalose for stabilization of mouse monoclonal IgM antibodies during freeze-drying and prolonged storage at elevated temperatures. Spent culture media, ascitic fluids and isolated immunoglobulins were freeze-dried in the presence of trehalose, stored at different temperatures, and tested after rehydration for their binding to their corresponding antigens. Antibodies, directed against various types of antigens, effectively recovered their binding efficiency as tested in enzyme-linked immunoassays, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Application of trehalose for freeze-drying of labile monoclonal IgM antibodies permits convenient long-term storage of large quantities of antibodies, facilitates their transport at ambient temperature and simplifies the construction of pre-aliquoted kits based on such antibodies.