Introduction
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a protein found in the blood plasma of cows. It is widely used in various applications, including medicine, biotechnology, and food industry. Pubchem is a database of chemical substances and their properties maintained by the National Library of Medicine. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about BSA and its properties listed on Pubchem.
What is Bovine Serum Albumin?
BSA is a globular protein with a molecular weight of approximately 66,000 Da. It is composed of 583 amino acids and has a range of functions, including regulation of osmotic pressure, transport of fatty acids, and binding of drugs and other molecules.
Uses of BSA
BSA has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in cell culture media as a source of nutrients and as a stabilizer for enzymes and other proteins. It is also used as a blocking agent in Western blotting and ELISA assays. In the food industry, BSA is used as a protein supplement in baby formula, dairy products, and meat products.
Properties of BSA on Pubchem
According to Pubchem, BSA has a melting point of 60-70°C, a solubility of 45 mg/mL in water, and a pI of 4.7-5.2. It has a molecular weight of 66,430 Da and a net charge of -19 at pH 7.4.
Applications of BSA in Medicine
BSA is used in a variety of medical applications. It is commonly used as a stabilizing agent in vaccines and as a carrier protein for drug delivery. It is also used in diagnostic assays such as pregnancy tests and blood glucose tests.
Benefits of Using BSA in Biotechnology
BSA has several benefits when used in biotechnology. It stabilizes enzymes and other proteins, helping to extend their shelf life. It also reduces non-specific binding in assays, improving their accuracy. Additionally, BSA can improve the yield and purity of recombinant proteins produced in bacterial expression systems.
Controversies Surrounding BSA Use
There are some controversies surrounding the use of BSA. Some people are concerned about the potential risk of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), also known as “mad cow disease.” However, BSA used in commercial products is typically sourced from countries with low risk of BSE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BSA is a versatile protein with a wide range of applications in medicine, biotechnology, and the food industry. Its properties listed on Pubchem can help researchers and scientists to better understand its behavior and optimize its use in various applications. While there are some controversies surrounding its use, BSA remains a valuable tool in many fields.