what is the function of the sodium azide in the buffer? - western blot (Sep/13/2006 )

Since some people would add the sodim azide in the blocking buffer and wash buffer for western blotting, what is the purpose for adding the sodium azide in the buffer? IF i do not add the sodium azide, the result of blotting would be affected or not?

Thanks

nothing will happen to your western even if you dont use azide; we routinely perform westerns with no azide and no trouble. azide is a respiratory inhibitor and is EXTREMELY toxic so watch out . i use it in all buffers that i need to prevent contaminating fungal or bacterial growth in. i suppose thats also the reason it's used in antibody solutions..

we add azide only if we plan to keep the solution for a longer period of time. i always do westerns without azide.