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BCAAssay

BCA (Bicinchoninic Acid) Assay

A colorimetric assay used to determine the concentration of proteins in a solution. The primary purpose of the BCA Assay is to quantify the amount of protein present in a sample, which is essential for various downstream applications in molecular biology and proteomics.

Workflows where BCA Assay is needed

Protein Purification

Protein purification processes to determine the yield and purity.

Peptide Strand

Before gel electrophoresis to ensure equal protein loading.

Liquid Handling 1

Prior to protein labeling or modification to ensure the correct amount of protein is used.

Petri Dish

In cell culture studies to determine protein expression levels.

Standard BCA Assay

Best suited for routine applications where the protein concentration range is within the assay’s linear range, and the number of samples is moderate.

Benefits of Automation

Manual pipetting slows scientific discovery

  • Consistency: Automation ensures that every step is performed the same way every time, reducing variability.

  • Efficiency: Automated systems can handle multiple samples simultaneously, speeding up the process.

  • Accuracy: Automated pipetting reduces the risk of volume errors and cross-contamination.

  • Data Integrity: Automated systems often come with integrated data management solutions, ensuring that results are recorded and stored correctly.

Microplate BCA Assay

Ideal for high-throughput screening, where many samples need to be analyzed simultaneously. It’s efficient in terms of reagent usage and is often used in larger research studies or industrial settings.

How to Automate BCA Assay

Modified BCA Assay for Detergent Samples

Specifically used when samples contain detergents, which can interfere with the BCA reaction. This is common in protein extraction from certain cell types or tissues or when studying proteins embedded in membranes.

BCA Assay has never been easier

The OT-2 is a bench-top liquid handler designed to be accessible and flexible enough to automate many common applications.

Webinar: Absorbance Plate Reader

The Opentrons Flex Absorbance Plate Reader Module is a fully automated solution for absorbance-based assays. Using the example of protein quantification by BCA assay, our scientists will show how to use an Opentrons Flex with the newly released on-deck absorbance plate reader to set up and run assays, and then normalize concentrations, all from a single protocol without human intervention.

Demo

Want to know more?

Our team of experts can help figure out if automation is right for you. Book a virtual demo to discuss your workflow needs with an expert.