A method for quantification and correction of proteins after transfer to immobilization membranes

A method is described for quantification of specific proteins after electrophoresis and transfer to immobilization membranes for Western blots. This method is analogous to methods used to correct the amounts of specific transcripts detected on Northern blots. Ponceau S staining of proteins bound to immobilization membranes is efficient and accurate compared to antibody binding in terms of time, effort and cost. Comparison of Ponceau S to other detection and staining methods for quantifying proteins and the basic chemistry of Ponceau S are summarized.