Quant-iT™ Protein Assay Kit - FAQs

View additional product information for Quant-iT™ Protein Assay Kit - FAQs (Q33210)

52 product FAQs found

为什么我用Qubit Assay检测时会得到负的荧光值?

负的荧光值物理上是不可能的。它是由于软件自动扣除背景信号而造成的假象。这意味着你的荧光计检测到背景信号并将其扣除从而牺牲了真实数据。务必做一个仅有缓冲液的对照并评估信号的类型。你可能需要换用另外一块板。

我有一个Quant-iT DNA试剂盒,而想在Qubit荧光计上使用。可以吗?

是的,使用手册中有关于此项应用的说明。你将使用0 ng/μL lambda dsDNA HS标准品制备Standard #1。你将稀释一个10 ng/μL lambda dsDNA HS标准品得到Standard #2。然后你准备样本并将它们和上述的两点标准曲线进行比较。Quant-iT dsDNA BR试剂盒也可以用类似的方式使用。

这些Quant-iT试剂盒的适用pH范围是多少?

试剂盒中的缓冲液将保证合适的pH值范围,即使您的DNA处于这一pH范围之外也没关系,因为检测中所用的缓冲液体积至少超过样本体积的10倍。

我试图对一些带有荧光基团标记的DNA进行定量。这可行吗?

PicoGreen染料和其它基于荧光定量的试剂不建议用于对染料偶联的核酸进行定量。核酸上携带的染料基团会干扰定量试剂的结合或荧光产生。

DNA长度对dsDNA检测结果有影响吗?

大致在20-mer或更短范围内的链信号水平较低。对于大部分由短链组成的dsDNA样本,仍可使用试剂,但应使用与样本长度相当的dsDNA标准品。

Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA, Quant-iT DNA, 和Qubit DNA检测试剂有什么区别?

Qubit荧光计拥有高度优化的算法,可以使用 Qubit assays 或 Quant-iT DNA assays为您计算样本的浓度。使用MyQubit固件, Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA Assay也适用于Qubit荧光计。所有这些检测试剂的性能表现是相似的。

Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA Assay是最成熟和最通用的检测试剂。它需要标准品DNA和缓冲液的稀释,但是可以使用比色皿,微孔板和NanoDrop 3300进行测定。
Quant-iT DNA Assay提供了一个现成的缓冲液和预稀释的标准品DNA,可以使用96孔的微孔板来分析大量样本(>20个样本),而无需进一步的调整。< br / > Qubit Assay适用于低通量(<20个样本)实验,并且仅能用Qubit荧光计读取数据。

我们可以为Qubit荧光计制定我自己的检测方案吗?

是的,对于Qubit (1.0)荧光计之后的Qubit设备是可以的。点击此处(https://www.thermofisher.com/cn/zh/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/molecular-spectroscopy/fluorometers/qubit/qubit-assays/myqubit.html)查看MyQubit检测说明。

我有一个粗裂解物。使用Quant-iT和Qubit检测试剂能行吗?

通常来说,样本越干净越好。一些盐、蛋白、以及去垢剂不会影响检测,您可以查看特定的检测方案以了解哪些物质以及它们在哪些浓度下不会影响检测。

Why am I getting negative fluorescence values with my Qubit Assays?

Negative fluorescence is a physical impossibility. It is an artifact from software autocorrecting for background signal. This means your reader is picking up and subtracting out background light at the cost of your data. Make sure to do a buffer-only control and assess the type of signal. You may need to switch to a different plate.

I have a Quant-iT DNA Kit and want to use it for the Qubit Fluorometer. Can I?

Yes, the manual has directions for this application. You will use the 0 ng/µL lambda dsDNA HS standard to generate Standard #1. You will prepare a dilution of the 10 ng/µL lambda dsDNA HS standard to generate Standard #2. You then prepare the samples and compare them to this 2-point standard curve. The Quant-iT dsDNA BR Kit can be used in a similar manner.

What is the useful pH range for Quant-iT DNA kits?

The buffer included in the kit should assure the proper pH range, even if your DNA is at a pH outside of this range, since at least a 10-fold excess of kit buffer over sample is used in the assay.

I'm trying to quantify some DNA labeled with a fluorophore. Will this work?

PicoGreen dye and other fluorescence-based quantification reagents are not recommended for quantifying dye-conjugated nucleic acids. The attached dye molecules can interfere with either binding and/or fluorescence output of the quantification reagents.

Does DNA length have an effect on the dsDNA assays?

Strands that are roughly in the 20-mer range or shorter show a lower level of signal. For dsDNA samples that are composed of mostly short strands, the reagent may still be used, but one should use a dsDNA standard that is of comparable length as the sample.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

What is the difference between the Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA, Quant-iT DNA, and Qubit DNA assays?

The Qubit Fluorometer contains highly optimized algorithms that calculate the concentration of the sample using either the Qubit assays or the Quant-iT DNA assays. The Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA assay may be adapted to the Qubit Fluorometer using the MyQubit firmware. The performance of all of these assays is similar.

The Quant-iT PicoGreen DNA assay is the most established assay and the most general-purpose (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/PicoGreen-dsDNA-protocol.pdf). It requires the dilution of the standard DNA and buffer but can be adapted for use with either cuvettes, microplates, or the NanoDrop 3300.

The Quant-iT DNA assays provide a ready-to-use buffer and pre-diluted standard DNA for analyzing a large number of samples (>20 samples) using a 96-well microplate with no further adaptation.

The Qubit assays (https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/molecular-spectroscopy/fluorometers/qubit/qubit-assays/myqubit.html) are intended for low throughput (<20 samples), and are only used on the Qubit Fluorometer.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

Can I make my own assay for the Qubit Fluorometer?

Yes, you can, for Qubit instruments developed after the original Qubit (1.0) Fluorometer. See MyQubit assay instructions here (http://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/laboratory-instruments/fluorometers/qubit/qubit-assays/myqubit.html.html).

I have a crude lysate. Will the Quant-iT and Qubit assays work?

Generally, the cleaner the sample the better. Some salts, proteins, and detergents are tolerated in the assays; see the specific assay protocol for which ones and at what concentrations.

How does the accuracy and sensitivity of the Qubit quantitation assays using the Qubit fluorometer compare to a microplate reader?

The accuracy and sensitivity of the Qubit quantitation assays are the same as that of a microplate reader. This was a requirement during product development. The detection limits for each Qubit kit can be found on the corresponding product manual, which can be found by searching our website by keyword or catalog number.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

Can the Qubit kits give an indication of sample quality in nucleic acid samples?

No. The Qubit DNA and RNA kits only quantify the amount of either DNA or RNA in the sample. The Qubit fluorometer cannot take absorbance readings to provide a A260/A280 ratio or detect protein in nucleic acid samples. This can be done with the NanoDrop instrument. If your sample contains protein or other contaminants that can affect the assay, it should be further purified.

If your sample may contain both DNA and RNA, one may use either (or both) the DNA and RNA Qubit kits and compare with samples treated with either RNase or DNase to get an accurate determination of DNA or RNA, respectively.

Can I use the Quant-iT and Qubit Kits with other fluorometers?

All Quant-iT and Qubit kits are compatible with all fluorometers and microplate readers that have the appropriate light sources and filters. You won't have access to the algorithm in the Qubit fluorometer for generating the standard curve provided by the instrument, instead, you must make a few dilutions of the highest standard DNA or RNA (Standard #2) in the Qubit kits to generate a standard curve with multiple data points.

Can I use the original Quant-iT Kits with the Qubit Fluorometer?

No, we do not recommend this. Some of the dyes in the original Quant-iT kits (those NOT listed as “for use with the Qubit fluorometer”) are not compatible with the Qubit Fluorometer. In addition, the new Quant-iT kits (labeled as “for use with the Qubit Fluorometer”) have standards formulated to be compatible with the Qubit fluorometer internal algorithms for the respective assays. The Qubit Fluorometer-compatible kits are also less expensive per assay if you are processing fewer than 20 samples at a time.

Are the buffer components of the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit (Cat. No. Q33210) compatible with RIPA or NP-40?

We do not have data regarding the compatibility of the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit with RIPA or NP-40 and therefore cannot recommend using them together.

Is the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit (Cat. No. Q33210) a high-throughput version of Qubit Protein and Protein Broad Range Assay Kits?

Though the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit is indicated for high-throughput application, it is completely separate from the Qubit Protein and Protein Broad Range Assay Kits, not another version of them.

Are the reagents in the Qubit Protein and Protein Broad Range Assay Kits and those from the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit (Cat. No. Q33210) the same/interchangeable?

No, the Quant-it and Qubit reagents use different dyes and therefore are not interchangeable.

My buffer or components of my buffer are not listed in the compatibility table for my protein assay. What should I do?

You can test the tolerance of the assay for your specific buffer formulation. For in-house generated compatibility information, substances were considered compatible at the indicated concentration in the Standard Test Tube Protocol (found in the manual for each protein assay) if the error in protein concentration estimation caused by the presence of the substance was less than or equal to 10%. The substances were tested using WR prepared immediately before each experiment. Blank-corrected 562nm absorbance measurements (for a 1000µg/mL BSA standard + substance) were compared to the net 562nm measurements of the same standard prepared in 0.9% saline.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

All the components of my sample buffer are at or below the indicated compatible concentration for my protein assay, but I am still seeing too much/too little color development. What could be the problem?

It is possible to have a substance additive affect such that even though a single component is present at a concentration below its listed compatibility, a sample buffer containing a combination of substances could interfere with the assay. You should take steps to eliminate or minimize the effects of the interfering substance(s) by diluting or removing the substance.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

My protein assay is not developing color or is developing too much color. What can I do?

Refer to the information in the product-specific instruction booklet or our Tech Tip: Protein Quantitation Assay Compatibility Table (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/Application-Notes/TR0068-Protein-assay-compatibility.pdf).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

My spectrophotometer doesn’t have a filter set for the absorbance maximum. Can I use an alternate wavelength to read the protein assay?

Often, an alternative wavelength can be used, although the slope of the standard curve and the overall assay sensitivity will most likely be reduced. Our Tech Tip (https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/TR0025-Protein-assay-spectra.pdf) offers additional information on determining acceptable wavelengths for measuring protein assays.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

I would like to use the Quant-iT, Qubit or NanoOrange protein assay kit for quantitation of peptides. Will it work?

The lowest protein size limit for these reagents has not been determined, although proteins as small as 6000 Da have been accurately quantitated. Quantitation accuracy of small peptides would likely be variable and dependent on the composition of the peptide. We would recommend using the CBQCA Protein Quantitation Kit for quantitation of small peptides. For quantitating peptide digest mixtures for mass spectrometry applications, we recommend using the Quantitative Colorimetric Peptide Assay (Cat. No. 23275) or Quantitative Fluorometric Peptide Assay (Cat. No. 23290).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

Can the Quant-iT or Qubit protein assays be used in a solution containing protein and liposomes?

We do not recommend that you use the Quant-iT Protein Reagent or Qubit Protein Reagent to quantify proteins in the presence of any detergents, surfactants, lipids or other chemicals that can either displace the dye from a hydrophobic domain, disrupt lipid structure, or add a lipophilic/hydrophobic componentto the solution. The dye is environmentally sensitive; when it binds to hydrophobic pockets/domains, inserts into liposome lipid layers, or is dissolved in organic solvents, its fluorescence output increases relative to its fluorescence in aqueous solutions, potentially providing a higher background. Of course, this assumes that the liposome is not composed of anything that can quench fluorescence.

You may use the dye to quantitate purified protein and possibly a pure liposome sample (assuming that the solution the dye is dispersed in does not disrupt liposome structure), but it would be exceedingly difficult to quantify either as a mixed population.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

I have a Quant-iT protein assay kit and would like to use it on the Qubit fluorometer. Can I do this?

Yes, the Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit (https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/Quant_iT_Protein_Assay_UG.pdf) has directions for performing this application.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

What are the fluorescent protein assays you offer and how do they differ? Which one should I choose for my samples?

  • The Quant-iT and Qubit protein assays are easy and accurate assays for the quantitation of protein samples ranging from 12.5 µg⁄mL to 5 mg⁄mL. These assays are highly selective for protein and exhibit very little protein-to-protein variation. Common contaminants, such as salts, solvents, or DNA (but not detergents) are well tolerated in these assays. The Qubit Protein Assay Kit is designed specifically for use with the Qubit Fluorometers, while the Quant-iT Protein Assay is designed to be used both on the Qubit fluorometer or other fluorometers and fluorescence plate readers. 
  • The NanoOrange Protein Quantitation Kit is a very sensitive and easy assay for protein quantitation, with detection as low as 10 ng/mL of protein in solution with a useful assay range of 10 ng/mL to 10 µg/mL. Common contaminants, such as salts, solvents, or DNA (but not detergents) are well tolerated in these assays. This fluorescent dye is suitable for use with spectrofluorometers and microplate readers. 
  • The CBQCA Protein Quantitation Kit is a very sensitive assay for protein quantitation, with detection as low as 10 ng/mL of protein in solution with a useful assay range of 10 ng/mL to 150 µg/mL. CBQCA covalently modifies glutamine, asparagine and primary amines and requires cyanide for the reaction. This assay is tolerant of detergents, but amines, ammonium ions and reducing agents should be avoided. CBQCA is better suited for accurate quantitation of proteins in the presence of lipids, membrane fractions or detergents, and for lipoproteins and small peptides.
  • The EZQ Protein Quantitation Kit provides accurate quantitation of protein samples in the range of 20 µg/mL to 5 mg/mL. The assay can be performed in the presence of detergents, urea, reducing agents, salts, solvents, dyes, and most other contaminants and is generally intended for samples prepared for 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis. 1 µL of each sample is spotted onto filter paper placed inside a specially-designed 96-well microplate, contaminants are washed away, and then the remaining bound proteins are stained with our proprietary fluorescent dye. The paper is then analyzed on a microplate reader or a laser scanner.
  • All the above assay kits come with either concentrated assay reagent and dilution buffer or a pre-diluted quantitation reagent and protein standards. The EZQ Protein Quantitation Kit also comes with a specially-designed 96-well microplate and filter paper that fits inside this microplate.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What other factors affect the protein assay accuracy and precision?

    Several factors affect protein assay accuracy and precision:
    Replicates: The only way to evaluate the extent of random error is to include replicates of each standard and test sample. Because all test samples are evaluated by comparison to the standard curve, it is especially important to run the standards in at least triplicate. The standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) can then be calculated, providing a degree of confidence in your pipetting precision. If replicates are used, curve-fitting is done with the average values (minus obvious outliers).
    Blank correction: It is common practice to subtract the absorbance of the zero assay standard(s) from the all other sample absorbance values. However, if replicate zero-assay standards will be used to calculate error statistics, then another independent value may be required for blank-correction. If the standards were prepared in a buffer to match that of the test samples, and this buffer contains components that may interfere with the assay chemistry, it is informative to blank the absorbances with a "water reference" (i.e., a zero-protein, water sample). Differences between the water reference and zero standard sample are then indicative of buffer effects.
    Standard curve slope: The standard curve slope is directly related to assay accuracy and sensitivity. All else being equal, the steepest part of the curve is the most reliable. For most protein assays, the standard curve is steepest (i.e., has the greatest positive slope) in the bottom half of the assay range. In fact, the upper limit of an assay range is determined by the point at which the slope approaches zero; the line there is so flat that even a tiny difference in measured absorbance translates to a large difference in calculated concentration.
    Measurement wavelength: The measurement wavelengths that are recommended for each protein assay method are optimal because they yield standard curves with maximal slope. This usually, but not always, corresponds to the absorbance maximum. (In certain circumstances, other considerations are also important in choosing the best possible measurement wavelength, such as avoiding interference from sample components that absorb at similar wavelengths). In fact, for most protein assays, depending on the precision required, acceptable results can be obtained using any measurement wavelengths within a certain range.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    When does a dilution factor need to be applied in a protein assay?

    One situation in which the dilution factor is important to consider is when the original sample has been pre-diluted relative to the standard sample. Suppose the original protein sample is actually known to be approximately 5 mg/mL. This is too concentrated to be assayed by the Pierce Bradford Plus Protein Assay Kit, for example, whose assay range in the standard microplate protocol is 100-1500 µg/mL. However, you could dilute it 5-fold in buffer (i.e., 1 part sample plus 4 parts buffer) and then use that diluted sample as the test sample in the protein assay. If the test sample produces the same absorbance as the 1000 µg/mL standard sample, then you can conclude that the test (5-fold diluted) sample is 1000 µg/mL, and therefore the original (undiluted) sample is 5 x 1000 µg/mL = 5000 µg/mL = 5 mg/mL.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    Do I need to know the protein concentration in the assay reagent for my protein assay?

    No. It is neither necessary nor helpful to know the protein concentration as it exists when the samples are diluted in assay reagent. The protein concentration when diluted by assay reagent is almost certainly not the value of interest; instead, one wants to know the protein concentration of the original test sample.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    Do I need to know the amount of protein per well for my protein assay?

    No. Contrary to what many people assume, it is neither necessary nor even helpful to know the actual amount (e.g., micrograms) of protein applied to each well or cuvette of the assay. The amount of protein per well is almost certainly not the value of interest; instead, one usually wants to know the protein concentration of the original test sample.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    How can I utilize Excel software to plot and apply the standard curve for my protein assay?

    Enter the concentration values for the standards in Column A and their corresponding absorbance data in Column B. Highlight both columns and from the Insert menu select Chart and XY (Scatter). Click on the resulting graph and select Add Trendline from the Chart menu. While viewing the graph next to the open Format Trendline window, choose Polynomial and set the Order to 2, 3 or 4 until the best-fit appears. Check the box near the bottom called Display Equation on Chart; then close the Format Trendline window. Use the resulting equation to determine protein concentration (y) of an unknown sample by inserting the sample’s absorbance value (x). 

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    How can I interpolate my protein assay data?

    Most modern plate readers and spectrophotometers have associated software that automatically plots a linear or curvilinear regression line through the standard points, interpolates the test samples on that regression line, and reports the calculated value. However, there are different methods for making the calculations “by hand”. You can find a detailed explanation and example in our Tech Tip

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    How can I accurately analyze my protein assay data?

    With most protein assays, sample protein concentrations are determined by comparing their assay responses to that of a dilution-series of standards whose concentrations are known. The responses of the standards are used to plot or calculate a standard curve. Absorbance values of unknown samples are then interpolated onto the plot or formula for the standard curve to determine their concentrations. The most accurate results are possible only when unknown and standard samples are treated identically. This includes assaying them at the same time and in the same buffer conditions, if possible. Because different pipetting steps are involved, replicates are necessary if you wish to calculate statistics (e.g., standard deviation, coefficient of variation) to account for random error. It is imperative to run a new standard curve for each set of samples to be tested

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    It was necessary to dilute my sample in order to run the protein assay (i.e,. due to an incompatible substance). How do I account for this when determining the concentration?

    Simply multiply the calculated concentration of the diluted sample by the dilution factor. For example: A protein sample is known to be approximately 5 mg/mL. This is too concentrated to be assayed by the Pierce Bradford Plus Protein Assay Kit, whose assay range in the standard microplate protocol is 100-1500 µg/mL. However, you could dilute it 5-fold in buffer (i.e., 1 part sample plus 4 parts buffer) and then use that diluted sample as the test sample in the protein assay. If the test sample produces the same absorbance as the 1000 µg/mL standard sample, then you can conclude that the test (5-fold diluted) sample is 1000 µg/mL, and therefore the original (undiluted) sample is 5 × 1000 µg/mL = 5000 µg/mL = 5 mg/mL.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    In my protein assay, what unit of measurement will my sample concentration be in after calculating the concentration?

    The unit of measure used to express the standards is by definition the same unit of measure associated with the calculated value for the unknown sample (i.e., final results for unknown samples will be expressed in the same unit of measure as was used for the standards). For example, if the standard concentrations are expressed as micrograms per milliliter, then the concentrations for the unknown samples, which are determined by comparison to the standard curve, are also expressed as micrograms per milliliter.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What should I dilute my protein standard in for my protein assay?

    Protein standards should preferably be diluted using the same diluent as the sample(s). Sample assay responses are directly comparable to each other if they are processed in exactly the same manner. Variance in protein quantity is the only possible cause for differences in final absorbance (color intensity) if samples are dissolved in the same buffer and the same stock solution of assay reagent is used for all samples.

    However, if only a “rough” estimate of protein concentration is needed, a blank-only correction can be used. In this case, a blank is prepared in the diluent of the sample to correct for its raw absorbance. The concentration of the sample is then determined from a standard curve obtained from a series of dilutions of the protein of known concentration prepared in water or saline solution.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What protein should I use to generate my standard curve?

    Protein concentrations are generally determined and reported with reference to standards of a common protein, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). If precise quantitation of an unknown protein is required, it is advisable to select a protein standard that is similar in quality to the unknown; for example, a bovine gamma globulin (BGG) standard may be used when assaying immunoglobulin samples.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    Why is the choice of protein standard important in a protein assay?

    Because proteins differ in their amino acid compositions, each one responds somewhat differently in each type of protein assay. Therefore, the best choice for a reference standard is a purified, known concentration of the most abundant protein in the samples. This is usually not possible to achieve, and it is seldom convenient or necessary. If a highly purified version of the protein of interest is not available or it is too expensive to use as the standard, the alternative is to choose a protein that will produce a very similar color response curve in the selected protein assay method and is readily available to any laboratory at any time. Generally, bovine serum albumin (BSA) works well as a protein standard because it is widely available in high purity and relatively inexpensive. Alternatively, bovine gamma globulin (BGG) is a good standard when determining the concentration of antibodies because BGG produces a color response curve that is very similar to that of immunoglobulin G (IgG).

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What are the basic principles of standard curve assays?

    • Identically assayed samples are directly comparable: Sample assay responses are directly comparable to each other if they are processed in exactly the same manner. Variation in amount of protein is the only possible cause for differences in final absorbance (color intensity) if the samples are dissolved in the same buffer, the same lot and stock solution of assay reagent is used, all samples are mixed and incubated at the same time and temperature, and no pipetting errors were introduced. 
    • Units in equals the units out: The unit of measure used to express the standards is by definition the same unit of measure associated with the calculated value for the unknown sample (i.e., final results for unknown samples will be expressed in the same unit of measure as was used for the standards).


    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    Which protein assays are dye-binding based chemistries?

    Pierce Bradford Protein Assay Kit and Pierce Bradford Plus Protein Assay Kit are variations on the use of Coomassie G-250 dye as a colorimetric reagent for the detection and quantitation of total protein first reported by Bradford in 1976. The Thermo Scientific 660 nm Protein Assay is a dye-based reagent that offers the same convenience as Coomassie-based assays while overcoming several of their disadvantages. In particular, the 660 nm Assay is compatible with most detergents and produces a more linear response curve (the detailed assay chemistry is proprietary). Our fluorometric protein assays are also based on dye binding chemistries.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What is protein-to-protein variation?

    Each protein in a sample responds uniquely in a given protein assay, and this protein-to-protein variation is observed as differences in the amount of color (absorbance) obtained when the same mass of various proteins is assayed concurrently by the same method. These differences in color response relate to differences in amino acid sequence, isoelectric point (pI), secondary structure, and the presence of certain side chains or prosthetic groups.

    Depending on the sample type and purpose for performing an assay, protein-to-protein variation is an important consideration in selecting a protein assay method and in selecting an appropriate assay standard (e.g., BSA vs. BGG). Protein assay methods based on similar chemistry have similar protein-to-protein variation.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    How should a sample be prepared before a protein assay?

    Before the sample is analyzed, it must be solubilized in a buffered aqueous solution. Depending on the source material and the procedures involved before performing the protein assay, the sample will likely contain a variety of non-protein components. Awareness of these components is critical for choosing an appropriate assay method and evaluating the cause of anomalous results. Every type of protein assay is adversely affected by substances of one sort or another. Components of a protein solution are considered interfering substances in a protein assay if they artificially suppress the response, enhance the response, or cause elevated background by an arbitrarily chosen degree (e.g., 10% compared to control). Additional components can include reducing agents, chelators, crowding agents, and protease inhibitors.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What should I consider when choosing a protein assay?

    There are several criteria that should be considered, including compatibility with the sample type and components, assay range and required sample volume, protein-to-protein uniformity, speed and convenience for the number of samples to be tested, and the availability of spectrophotometer or plate reader necessary to measure the color produced (absorbance) by the assay.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    Why does the protein assay method matter?

    Unfortunately, no protein assay method exists that is either perfectly specific to proteins (i.e., not affected by any nonprotein components) or uniformly sensitive to all protein types (i.e., not affected by differences in protein composition). Therefore, successful use of protein assays involves selecting the method that is most compatible with the samples to be analyzed, choosing an appropriate assay standard, and understanding and controlling the particular assumptions and limitations that remain. The objective is to select a method that requires the least manipulation or pre-treatment of the samples to accommodate substances that interfere with the assay. Each method has its particular advantages and disadvantages. Because no one reagent can be considered the ideal or best protein assay method for all circumstances, most researchers have more than one type of protein assay available in their laboratories.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What protein assay is best?

    Unfortunately, no protein assay method exists that isn’t affected by any non-protein component or uniformly sensitive to all protein types. One must select an appropriate assay method based on compatibility with the sample type or one that requires the least manipulation of the sample to accommodate the assay. Most researchers will have more than one type of assay available in their laboratories.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    What protein assays do you offer for total protein quantitation?

    We offer several types of protein assays including the: BCA Assay, BCA-RAC (Reducing Agent Compatible) Assay, Micro BCA Assay, 660 nm Protein Assay, Pierce Bradford Plus Protein Assay Kit, Pierce Bradford Protein Assay Kit, Modified Lowry Assay, colorimetric and fluorometric Peptide Assays, CBQCA kit, EZQ kit, Quant-iT kits, NanoOrange, and the Qubit kits.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Assays and Analysis Support Center.

    How can I determine protein concentration in buffers containing imidazole, pH 7.0?

    We offer a Quant-iT Protein Assay Kit (Cat. No. Q33210), which is more sensitive than standard absorbance-based assays and can quantitate proteins from 0.25-5 µg. The signal is unaffected by many common contaminants, such as DTT, beta-mercaptoethanol, amino acids, and DNA. Imidazole at a final concentration below 1.25 mM is acceptable. Above that concentration, the imidazole begins to interfere with the assay. Please note, imidazole does absorb at 280 nm, and the absorbance varies with concentration. So to be perfectly accurate, each eluted fraction should be blanked against its elution buffer.

    Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Purification and Isolation Support Center.