Your need: analyze proteins using the BCA method
The BCA (Bicinchoninic Acid Assay) method is a colorimetric protein assay technique widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical fields.
Accurately quantify your proteins using the BCA method
In the development and production of natural ingredients and extracts, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical products, protein quantification is a key step in ensuring the quality, reproducibility, and compliance of your products. The BCA (Bicinchoninic Acid Assay) method offers a reliable, sensitive solution that is compatible with a wide range of complex matrices.
This analysis represents a key step in controlling product quality and compliance throughout their life cycle.
Why choose the BCA method for protein measurement?
The BCA method is based on the reduction of copper (Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺) by the peptide bonds of proteins, followed by colorimetric complexation with bicinchoninic acid. The intensity of the resulting color, measured by spectrophotometry, is proportional to the protein concentration.
Our protein services
The FILAB laboratory offers a wide range of analytical services related to proteins. These specialized services are aimed at manufacturers wishing to characterize their proteins of interest in detail.
FILAB performs proteins analysis using the BCA method
Why choose FILAB for protein analysis using the BCA method?
At FILAB, we provide pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical manufacturers with comprehensive analytical expertise for protein quantification and characterization. FILAB offers customized solutions for protein analysis: assays, contaminant identification, structural characterization, supported by cutting-edge technologies (LC-MSMS, HPLC, UPLC-UV...).
The main advantages of the BCA method
The BCA method offers excellent sensitivity (down to a few µg/mL) while maintaining very good reproducibility, essential for batch monitoring or quality control.
Unlike other methods (such as Bradford), BCA tolerates the presence of detergents, buffers or reducing agents, making it ideal for samples from complex purification or formulation processes.
The stable colorimetric signal and ease of automation allow for consistent results, even on large sample runs.
The BCA method is particularly used for:
- Monitoring the concentration of therapeutic proteins (antibodies, enzymes, hormones, etc.)
- Evaluating purification or production yields
- Verifying the stability of protein formulations over time
FAQ
This method is suitable for a wide variety of matrices, including:
- Therapeutic protein solutions (antibodies, enzymes, hormones, vaccines, etc.)
- Samples from purification or fermentation processes
- Formulations containing detergents or surfactants
- Finished or intermediate products from the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
The BCA method can detect protein concentrations typically ranging from 0.5 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL, depending on the established range and the protocol applied.
Its sensitivity is sufficient for most R&D and quality control needs.
Although very robust, the BCA method can be affected by certain strong reducing agents (such as DTT or TCEP), which interfere with the colorimetric reaction.
In these cases, the laboratory may adapt the protocol or propose another complementary method (Lowry, Bradford).
Working with FILAB means benefiting from:
- Recognized expertise in protein analysis and characterization
- A comprehensive analytical suite (UV-Vis spectrophotometry, GPC, FTIR, SDS-PAGE, etc.)
- Tailored support tailored to your needs: analysis, expertise, or R&D
- Responsiveness and confidentiality that meet industry standards
- R&D teams exploring new molecules, formulations, or processes.
- Quality Control departments ensuring batch release or compliance verification.
- Production/Process departments dealing with changes in scale, yields, or production incidents.
- Regulatory Affairs departments needing to document files or meet requirements.
- Formulation/Analytical project managers coordinating the transition from innovation to industrialization.
