The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay is a highly sensitive colorimetric assay that is compatible with detergent solubilized protein solutions

The Micro Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay is a highly sensitive colorimetric assay that is compatible with detergent solubilized protein solutions (see table) and is a modification of the Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay for dilute protein samples (0.5-20µg/mL). The Micro Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay is suitable for quantifying protein solutions in 1mL assays or in microwells and is for 500 x 1mL assays or >3,300 x micro-well assays.

The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Reducing Agent Compatible protein assay is supplied with the Reducing Agent Compatibility Agent (RACA) that modifies reducing agents to limit their effect on the reduction of the assay’s copper ions, preventing inhibition of the assay. The use of RACA allows for samples containing up to 5mM DTT, 10mM TCEP or 35mM ß-mercaptoethanol (see table). The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Reducing Agent Compatible protein assay is suitable for quantifying protein solutions in 1mL assays. This kit is suitable for 250 x 1mL assays.

The Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay primarily relies on two reactions. First, the peptide bonds in the protein sample reduce Cu2+ ions 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 562nm 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. Suitable for quantifying protein solutions in 1ml assays or in microwells.