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Silver-enhanced copper staining of protein blots
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute, University of Texas, Austin 78712.
Analytical Biochemistry
|February 15, 1993
Summary
Enhanced copper staining with silver provides a nearly 10-fold increase in protein blot sensitivity. This improved method remains quantitative, reversible, and selective for proteins over nucleic acids.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Copper staining offers rapid, quantitative, and sensitive protein detection on blots.
- Existing methods may lack sufficient sensitivity for certain applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the sensitivity of copper staining for protein detection.
- To evaluate the characteristics of the silver-enhanced copper staining assay.
Main Methods:
- Protein blots were subjected to copper staining followed by a silver staining enhancement step.
- A reflectance scanning densitometer with optical scanners and NIH Image was used for quantitation.
Main Results:
- Silver enhancement increased protein detection sensitivity by nearly 10-fold.
- The enhanced assay maintained quantitative optical response, low inter-protein variation, and reversibility.
- The method selectively detects proteins, not nucleic acids, useful for specific binding studies or contamination checks.
Conclusions:
- Silver-enhanced copper staining significantly boosts sensitivity for protein blot analysis.
- This technique offers a versatile, quantitative, and selective method for protein detection and quantification.