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List of methods
Direct absorbance measurementabsorbance at 280 nm Colorimetric assaysset up an assay |
Biuret Protein AssayConsiderations for useThe principle of the biuret assay is similar to that
of the Lowry, however it involves a single incubation of 20 min. There
are very few interfering agents (ammonium salts being one such agent),
and Layne (1957) reported fewer deviations than with the Lowry or ultraviolet
absorption methods. However, the biuret assay consumes much more material.
The biuret is a good general protein assay for batches of material for
which yield is not a problem. The Bradford assay is faster and more sensitive.
PrincipleUnder alkaline conditions substances containing two or
more peptide bonds form a purple complex with copper salts in the reagent.
EquipmentIn addition to standard liquid handling supplies a visible
light spectrophotometer is needed, with maximum transmission in the region
of 450 nm. Glass or polystyrene (cheap) cuvettes may be used.
ProcedureReagentA formula for biuret reagent is (per liter final volume) 9 gm Sodium potassium tartrate (f.w. 282.22), 3 gm Copper sulfate x 5 H2O (f.w. 249.68), 5 gm Potassium iodide (166.0), all dissolved in order in 400 ml 0.2 M NaOH (f.w. 40.0) before bringing to final volume. The volume can be scaled up or scaled down of course. Discard if a black precipitate forms. Assay
AnalysisPrepare a standard curve of absorbance versus micrograms protein (or vice versa), and determine amounts from the curve. Determine concentrations of original samples from the amount protein, volume/sample, and dilution factor, if any. CommentsThe color is stable, but all readings should be taken within 10 min. of each other. As with most assays, the Biuret can be scaled down for smaller cuvette sizes, consuming less protein. Proteins with an abnormally high or low percentage of amino acids with aromatic side groups will give high or low readings, respectively. For Bovine serum albumin we typically obtain a linear relationship between absorbance and amount protein over a range of 0.5 to 20 mg protein. The assay has not been reliable for amounts below 0.5 mg, however the actual sensitive range may extend beyond the upper limit. References
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Copyright
and Intended Use Visitors: to ensure that your message is not mistaken for SPAM, please include the acronym "Bios211" in the subject line of e-mail communications Created by David R. Caprette (caprette@rice.edu), Rice University 24 May 95 Updated 12 Jun 15 |