Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) Systems

Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA™) is a patented technology that amplifies both chromogenic and fluorescent signals in standard immunohistochemistry protocols. The result is a significant increase in sensitivity, without loss of resolution or increase in background.

Because TSA is a signal amplification technology, it eliminates the need for target amplification (PCR) sometimes used in in situ PCR when low or single copy genes are present. By using TSA in immunohistochemistry applications, unamplified detection levels can be maintained while utilizing up to 1,000-fold less primary antibody.

Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA™) amplifies fluorescent and  chromogenic  signals in standard immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC)  and in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols. The result is vastly improved sensitivity, without loss of resolution or increase  in background. But this is not the only benefit of using TSA.  

• See previously undetectable targets
With Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) you can see previously undetectable targets with up to 1000-fold higher sensitivity than standard methods. TSA Plus provides 10-20 times higher sensitivity than regular TSA.  Many researchers report detection of single copy molecules with TSA  and TSA Plus.  

• Achieve outstanding resolution and clarity
The Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) signal binds covalently to proteins immediately proximal to the target, making it ideal for sub-cellular localization of proteins and nucleic acids of interest.

• Conserve precious antibody
Achieve higher sensitivity with significantly less target antibody or probe.  Save money on each assay, and get more data from a limited supply of antibody or probe.

• Add to protocol with minimal disruption
Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) can be used for signal amplification in any assay where horseradish peroxidase (HRP) can be introduced. For in situ hybridization, probes may be labelled with biotin, DIG, fluorescein or other haptens.  In IHC and ICC, HRP is typically introduced as a secondary antibody or streptavidin conjugate.  TSA usually adds 20 minutes or less to standard protocols.

• Eliminate background problems and improve specificity of detection
Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) enables much higher dilution of primary antibodies and probes.  1:100,000 and higher dilutions of standard products is common.  Higher dilution of primary detection reagents reduces non-specific interactions and improves the specificity of your assay.    

• Investigate co-localization
Covalent labelling with Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) provides many more options for simultaneous detection of multiple proteins and nucleic acids within the same sample. TSA also provides options  for detection of multiple targets with primary antibodies from the same species. 

Which applications and assays can Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) be used for?

Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) is most commonly used for IHC, ICC and ISH. For quantitative signal amplification in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), the ELAST TSA kit has been developed.

Visit the TSA references page to find out how scientists across the globe are using Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) to get more from their research.

Detection methods

Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) is compatible with all common detection methods including direct and indirect fluorescence detection, EM and chromogenic detection.

Our instrument solutions for detection compatible with Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) include:

• UltraView VoX – confocal 3D imaging system which is an excellent option for sensitive imaging of fixed cells with fluorescent TSA products
• Volocity – 3D software for visualization and quantitation of targets exposed by TSA
• Operetta – easy-to-use High Content Screening system
• Opera – High Content Screening system for the highest resolution and speed

Add Tyramide Signal Amplification  (TSA) to your assay in just two simple steps