Structural Biochemistry/Bradford Assay

Overview

The Bradford assay utilizes the binding of Coomassie Brilliant Blue to basic proteins and its shift to a maximum absorbance of 595 nm when bound.

How it Works

The amount of protein in a sample can be determined by constructing a standard curve with known masses of protein plotted against the absorbance value. The absorbance of the sample can then interpolated into the standard curve and the mass of protein in the sample can be determined.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Bradford assay is advantageous because it offers high precision and fidelity. It also is compatible with most reagents although not with detergents or surfactants.

Disadvantages of the Bradford include that it is a slow assay to perform, it depends on a standard curve, and it destroys the sample of protein used.