Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Method: A Protein Assay

The Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay first was described by Smith, et al. BCA assay is similar to Lowry assay since it also depends on the conversion of Cu(2+) to Cu(+) under alkaline conditions. The Cu(+) is then detected by reaction with BCA. The reaction results in the development of an intense purple color with an absorbance maximum at 562 nm. BCA method and Lowry are of similar sensitivity, but BCA method is more advantageous compared to Lowry in a few things, here are the advantages:

Protein Assay using UV-Spectrophotometer at 280 nm

It is possible to estimate protein concentration in a solution by using simple spectrometer. Absorption of radiation in the near UV (280 nm) by proteins depends on the Tyrosine and Tryptophan content (also to a very small extent on the amount of Phenylalanine and disulfide bond).

Surfactant Properties: How to Quantitatively Measure

In order to measure the properties of surfactant, we can use the surface tension, emulsification activity, and hemolytic activity as the parameters. Here are the methods:

DNA Extraction Using Prepman Ultra

In my previous posting I’ve slightly given the bacterial DNA extraction method using Instagene matrix. In this particular posting, I want to give you the more simple method to extract DNA, which is using Prepman Ultra. According to the producer, Applied Biosystem, Prepman ultra is applicable to successfully preparing DNA template from bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi, both from a plate or from tissue smears.

PCR Components

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) created a revolution in molecular biology research and its applications. PCR is an in vitro method that enzymatically amplifies specific DNA sequences using oligonucleotide primers that flank the region of interest in the target DNA. The principle involves a repetitive series of cycles each of which consist of template denaturation, primer annealing, and extension of the annealed primers by a DNA polymerase to create the exponential accumulation of a specific fragment whose ends are determined by the 5’ ends of the primers. The PCR is so named because it involves a polymerase and the products synthesized in each cycle can serve as templates in the next so the number of DNA copies approximately doubles at every cycle to create a chain reaction similar to the principles in a nuclear reactor.