Preparation of colloidal gold probes

This chapter describes the production of immunogold probes for use in immunocytochemistry at the light and electron microscope levels. The protocols provide sufficient detail to enable workers to produce immunogold probes in their own laboratories. Reagents and equipment required should be readily accessible in most modern immunochemistry facilities. The protocols include descriptions of gold sol production and subsequent gold labeling of probes such as antisera. The chapter notes give suggestions for the quality control of particle production, approaches for optimizing gold probe use, and details of the latest technological advances, such ultrasmall gold particle technology.