The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Protein Assay, also known as the Smith Assay, is a highly sensitive colorimetric assay that is compatible with detergent solubilized protein solutions.
The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Protein Assay primarily relies on two reactions. Firstly, the peptide bonds in the protein sample reduce Cu2+ ions, in a temperature dependent reaction, from the copper solution to Cu+. The amount of Cu2+ reduced is proportional to the amount of protein present in the solution. Next, two molecules of bicinchoninic acid (BCA) chelate with each Cu+ ion, forming a purple-colored product that strongly absorbs light at a wavelength of 562 nm that is linear for increasing protein concentrations between the range of 0.02-2mg/ml. The amount of protein present in a solution can be quantified by measuring the absorption spectra and comparing with protein solutions with known concentrations.
The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Protein Assay is suitable for quantifying protein solutions in 1ml assays or in micro-wells.
The assay is supplied with a traditional bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein standard or a non animal protein standard.
For dilute protein samples (0.5-20µg/ml), we recommend the Micro Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Protein Assay.
For samples with reducing agents, we recommend the Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Reducing Agent Compatible Protein Assay.
Features
- Sensitive colorimetric assay
- Linear range of 20-2,000µg/ml
- Compatible with wide range of ionic and non-ionic detergents
- 1ml cuvette or micro well compatible
Applications
- For the estimation of protein concentration