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Protein Quantification
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After lysis of cells, it is important to determine the total protein concentration of the
sample. Accurate quantitation of the sample will allow you to load the proper amount of
protein in each lane. This avoids overloading the lane but still allows adequate detection
of the protein of interest. Proper quantitation is also critical when performing semi-
protein expression, the same amount of protein must be loaded into each lane.
There are several different methods for quantifying protein concentration in samples.
Some (e.g. measurement of nitrogen content or radioactively labeling cells) do not rely
upon absorptive properties of the protein sample. While these can be sensitive and
determination of protein concentration and these will be the focus of this guide.
They are generally easy to ease, sensitive and do not rely on the use of hazardous
agents. There are several different methods and kits available for employing a
relies on various factors. A protein quantification assay should be easy to use and not be
cost prohibitive. The range of the assay should allow you to accurately quantify all
protein samples. Generally a linear response over a broad range is desired. The
sensitivity of the assay will determine the lowest level of protein that can be detected.
Assays also have different specificities; buffer components, such as detergents, can
The different capabilities and limitations of several assays are discussed below.
Absorbance at 280 nm
A quick, but less specific measure of protein concentration is the absorbance of the
sample at 280 nm. Most proteins have an absorbance maxima at 280 nm as opposed to
nucleic acids which absorb at 260 nm. Aromatic residues, such as tryptophan, tyrosine
and phenylalanine are responsible for the observed absorbance, thus proteins lacking
these residues cannot be measured using this assay. Requires approximately 50 μg for
accurate readings.
Although nucleic acid contamination can interfere with measuring protein concentration
at 280 nm, a more accurate measure can be taken by measuring the absorbance of the
sample at both 260 nm and 280 nm and using the following calculation:
Advantages:
Moderate sensitivity
Disadvantages:
Biuret Method
The biuret test is a test for detecting the presence of peptide bonds. Under alkaline
The Biuret reagent contains sodium hydroxide, hydrated copper (II) sulfate and
potassium sodium tartrate (to stabilize the complexes). Reduction of copper results in a
color change, which can be read at 550 nm. The linear range is typically 0.5-20mg
protein.
Advantages:
Good for whole tissue samples and other sources of high protein concentration
Disadvantages:
Buffers, such as Tris and ammonia, can interfere with the reaction
Proteins with abnormally high or low percentage of aromatic amino acids will give
The development of the Lowry method (named after Oliver Lowry) introduced a more
sensitive assay for determining protein concentration. The Lowry method is sensitive,
A modification of the Biuret test, the Lowry method relies on the reaction of copper
with proteins, but the sample is also incubated with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.
blue color (heteropolymolybdenum blue) that absorbs at 750 nm. The Lowry method is
Advantages:
Easy to use
Highly reproducible
Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
amino acids
BCA is similar to Lowry, except bicinchoninic acid (BCA) is used instead of the Folin-
Ciocalteu reagent. After reduction of Cu2+ ions, two molecules of BCA chelate with each
Cu+ ion resulting in formation of an intense purple color that absorbs at 560 nm.
BCA is as sensitive as the Lowry method and works well with protein concentrations
from 0.5 μg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL. Although detergents do not interfere as strongly as in
the Lowry method, other contaminants can interfere with the reaction. In addition,
aromatic amino acids can influence the reaction. However, at higher temperatures (37-
60°C), peptide bonds can also contribute to formation of the product. Therefore it is
Advantages:
Easy to use
Highly reproducible
Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
cysteine, tyrosine, impure sucrose or glycerol, uric acid, iron and hydrogen peroxide
Color continues to develop over time, but is stable for measurement after 30
minutes at 37°C
Dye-Binding Assays
Dye binding assays rely on an absorbance shift that occurs when a dye binds to proteins.
Several different dyes can be used: Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250, bromocresol green,
pyrogallol red and eosine y. The most commonly used dye-binding assay is the Bradford
Assay.
Bradford Assay
The Bradford assay, named after it’s developed, Marion M. Bradford, is an easy,
sensitive and accurate method for protein quantification. Binding of Coomassie Brillant
Blue G-250 to proteins, causes a shift of the dye from red (465 nm) to blue (595 nm)
detergents can cause interference. Proteins with a concentration of 20-2000 μg/mL can
Advantages:
Easy to use
Quick
Disadvantages:
Bradford reagents