Introduction to BSA Protein
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a globular protein naturally present in bovine blood plasma and is commonly recovered from bovine serum as a byproduct of the cattle industry. Because it is stable, inexpensive, and functionally versatile, BSA has become a standard reagent in biochemical, molecular biology, diagnostic, and bioprocessing applications.
What is bovine serum albumin?
BSA is a globular, non‑glycosylated α‑helical plasma protein produced in the bovine liver. It comprises a single polypeptide chain of approximately 583 amino acid residues and contains 17 intrachain disulfide bridges, which confer exceptional structural stability. BSA exhibits reversible conformational isomerization that depends on pH and temperature, enabling it to bind and transport a wide range of endogenous and exogenous ligands, including fatty acids, amino acids, steroids, metal ions, and pharmaceutical compounds.
Lyophilized Form
The lyophilized (freeze‑dried) powder format offers exceptional stability, extended shelf life, convenient handling, and ease of transportation compared to liquid formulations. Lyophilization preserves biological activity while enabling accurate weighing and reconstitution at desired concentrations for various research and industrial applications. This format improves handling, transport, and storage convenience, making it suitable for global distribution and long‑term inventory management.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
| Test Parameter | Specification | Typical Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white to pale yellow lyophilized powder | Complies | Visual Inspection |
| Identity (PAGE / Immunoassay) | Positive for bovine serum albumin | Positive | SDS-PAGE / Immunodiffusion |
| Purity (Agarose Gel Electrophoresis) | ≥96% – ≥99% (grade dependent) | ≥98.5% | Agarose Gel Electrophoresis / HPLC |
| Molecular Weight (SDS-PAGE) | ~66 kDa (monomer) | 65,000 – 67,000 Da | SDS-PAGE / SEC-MALS |
| pH (1% solution in water) | 6.5 – 7.5 | 7.1 | pH Meter |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% (w/w) | ≤2.0% – ≤5.0% | Gravimetric / TGA |
| Endotoxin (LAL test) | <1.0 – <5.0 EU/mg (grade dependent); low endotoxin: <0.1 EU/mg | <0.5 EU/mg | LAL (USP <85>) |
| Protease Activity | None detected or ≤0.005 U/mg | None detected | Fluorescence / Casein Digestion |
| Fatty Acid Content | ≤0.02% – ≤0.05% (FA-free: ≤0.02%; standard: ≤0.05%) | ≤0.02% | Enzymatic / GC |
| Bovine IgG | Below detectable limits (<1.0 μg/mg) | <0.5 μg/mg | ELISA |
| Microbial Bioburden | <3 CFU/mL (typically no growth) | <1 CFU/mL | Plate Count (ISO 4833) |
| Fungal Count | <1 CFU/mL | 0 CFU/mL | Sabouraud Agar |
| Viral Testing | Negative for BVDV, IBR, BTV, VSV, Reovirus 3, Parainfluenza 3 | Negative | qPCR / Cell Culture |
| Solubility (40 mg/mL in water) | Clear to slightly hazy, no particulates | Clear solution | Visual / Turbidity |
| Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) | ≤10 ppm each | <1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Storage Condition | 2–8°C, desiccated, sealed | N/A | N/A |
| Shelf Life (unopened) | 5 years from the date of manufacture | N/A | Stability Study |
Note: A comprehensive COA with lot-specific test results is provided with each shipment. Additional testing parameters (e.g., DNase/RNase activity, molecular biology-grade specifications, low-endotoxin specifications, fatty acid-free certification) are available upon request.
Manufacturing Process
The production of high-purity BSA lyophilized powder follows a controlled, stepwise process to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and safety:
- Plasma Collection – Bovine blood is collected from healthy, government-inspected cattle under veterinary supervision. Plasma is separated from cellular components.
- Serum Processing – Plasma is clotted and filtered to remove fibrin, yielding clarified bovine serum.
- Purification (Cold Ethanol Fractionation – Modified Cohn Method) – Serum albumin is isolated as "Fraction V" using controlled pH, ethanol concentration, low temperature (−5°C to 0°C), and ionic strength.
- Diafiltration & Buffer Exchange – Removes residual ethanol and salts while adjusting pH and conductivity.
- Sterile Filtration – 0.22 μm filtration ensures sterility.
- Lyophilization – The sterile BSA solution is freeze‑dried to achieve residual moisture ≤5%, producing a stable, free‑flowing powder.
- QC Testing & Release – Each batch undergoes comprehensive testing (purity, identity, endotoxin, bioburden, viral safety, etc.) as per the COA.
- Packaging & Storage – Packaged in sterile, low‑particulate containers under controlled humidity. Store at 2–8°C.
What is bovine serum albumin used for?
Cell Culture
BSA supplements serum‑free or reduced‑serum media. It supports cell proliferation and viability by stabilizing growth factors, binding toxic fatty acids, and reducing oxidative stress.
Protein Quantitation Standard
BSA is the primary reference standard for Bradford, BCA, Lowry, and biuret assays. USP‑grade BSA ensures accurate, reproducible protein measurement.
Immunoassay Blocker & Diluent
BSA saturates non‑specific binding sites in ELISA, Western blot, and IHC, reducing background. It also stabilizes dilute antibodies as a carrier protein.
Enzyme Stabilization
BSA prevents denaturation, surface adsorption, and proteolytic degradation of purified enzymes during storage and experiments.
Drug Delivery & Nanocarrier Systems
BSA forms biocompatible, biodegradable nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. It enhances the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, offers controlled release, and improves bioavailability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this product suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic use?
A: No. It should be positioned as a research or industrial reagent only, not as a medical or clinical product.
Q: Is this product suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic use?
A: No. It should be positioned as a research or industrial reagent only, not as a medical or clinical product.
Q: What grades are usually available?
A: Common options include standard grade, crystallized grade, fatty-acid-free grade, protease-free grade, and low-endotoxin grade, depending on customer requirements.
Q: Can BSA be used in ELISA blocking buffers?
A: Yes. BSA is one of the most common blocking reagents in ELISA because it helps suppress nonspecific adsorption.
Q: Do you provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) for each batch?
A: Yes, each shipment is accompanied by a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Q: Is BSA suitable for use in serum‑free cell culture?
A: Yes, BSA is a key component in many serum‑free media formulations. It functions as a carrier protein for lipids, hormones, and growth factors, while also protecting from shear stress and oxidative damage. Fatty acid‑free BSA is recommended when precise control over fatty acid composition is required.
Q: Is BSA suitable for in vivo animal studies and pharmaceutical formulations?
A: BSA intended for in vivo and pharmaceutical applications must meet stringent quality specifications, including low endotoxin (<0.1 EU/mg), sterility, and viral clearance validation. We offer BSA grades specifically designed for such applications. Please consult with our technical support team to select the appropriate grade and provide relevant regulatory documentation.
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Disclaimer
This document is intended for informational and research purposes only. BSA is supplied for laboratory research, in vitro diagnostic, bioprocessing, and pharmaceutical excipient applications as applicable. Not for direct human or animal therapeutic use unless otherwise specified and approved for such use. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations governing the use of animal-derived products.
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