Why is BSA used as a standard?
Posted June 1, 2022
Answer
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a globular protein that’s extracted from cow blood. It is the most common standard used in protein concentration quantitation assays to analyze the concentration of protein in a solution. BSA offers several advantages that make it the preferred standard for protein assays:
- Has the ability to boost signal in assays
- Does not react with other enzymes in biochemical reactions
- Has higher sensitivity
- Is stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks
- Gives consistent results
- Compatible with common substances in samples
- Is small and can be easily stored
- Easily mass-produced and readily available
- Affordable
Additional resources