What is the Bradford Protein Assay?
The Bradford Protein Assay is a simple test used to measure the amount of protein in a sample. It is based on a special dye that changes color when it binds to proteins. This color change helps scientists know how much protein is present.
It’s a popular method because it is:
✅ Fast
✅ Easy to use
✅ Works with many sample types
How Does It Work?
You mix your sample with a blue dye (Coomassie).
The dye binds to the proteins and changes color.
You measure how dark the blue color gets using a reader at 595 nm.
The more protein there is, the darker the color becomes.
You compare your sample to a standard curve (made using known protein amounts), and from that, you can calculate the protein concentration.
Where Is the Bradford Assay Used?
The Bradford test is used in many labs, especially in biotechnology, to help monitor protein levels during different steps.
1. Protein Extraction
Check how much protein you get after breaking open cells.
2. Sample Preparation
Measure protein before running SDS-PAGE or other analysis.
3. Product Testing
Make sure the protein content is correct in research reagents or lab products.
4. Research Experiments
Use it to adjust and compare protein amounts between samples.
Why Use the Bradford Assay?
Fast results in under 10 minutes
Sensitive detection of low protein levels
Works with small sample volumes
Good for routine lab use
The Bradford Assay is one of the most trusted and simple tools for measuring protein in biotechnology. It helps save time, gives accurate results, and fits easily into any lab workflow.