Application

Note: 51859

The Biuret Method for the Determination of

Total Protein Using an Evolution Array
8-Position Cell Changer
Nicole Krueziger Keppy, Michael W. Allen, Ph.D, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Madison, WI, USA

Introduction
Key Words
Biuret Method
8-Position Cell
Changer
Total Protein
UV-Visible
Spectroscopy

One commonly used method for determining the total

protein in a sample is the Biuret method. The Biuret method
is based on the complexation of Cu2+ to functional groups
in the proteins peptide bonds as shown in Figure 1.
The formation of a Cu2+-protein complex requires two
peptide bonds and produces a violet-colored chelate
product which is measured by absorption spectroscopy
at 540 nm. Over a given
NH 2
NH 2
concentration range,
the measured absorption
at 540 nm is linear
with respect to the
NH
NH
concentration of total
protein. This relationship
Cu 2+
allows a standard curve
to be created that is
NH 2
NH 2
used to calculate the
Figure 1: Biuret reagent reacts with an
concentration of an
alkaline solution of CuSO4 to form a violet
unknown sample.
chelate compound

Experiment and Results

The Biuret reagent was prepared by adding 3 g of
CuSO4 5H2O and 9 g of sodium potassium citrate to
500 mL of 0.2 N NaOH solution, followed by the
addition of 5 g of KI. The resulting solution was then
brought to a total volume of 1 L with 0.2 N NaOH.
Alternatively, the Biuret reagent is available from a
variety of sources including Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Protein standards and the sample were prepared with
saline solution (8.5 g/L) according to Table 1. 3.0 mL of
Biuret reagent was added to each standard and sample,
the solution was mixed well and incubated at room
temperature for 30 minutes.

The standards and sample were analyzed using the

Biuret method included in Thermo Scientific VISIONcollect
software with biological tests. To begin the measurement,
select the Biuret Method from the provided method files
in Quantification Mode. The experimental method and
8-position cell changer set-up are shown in Figures 2
and 3 respectively.

Figure 2: Experimental Method Set-up

using VISIONcollect

Test Tube Number

Reagent

3.0 mg/mL
BSA (mL)
Protein
Sample (mL)
Saline
Solution (mL)
Final
Concentration
(g/mL)

0.2

0.4

0.7

1.0

2.0

3.0

1.0

3.0

2.8

2.6

2.3

2.0

1.0

2.0

200

400

700

1000 2000 3000

Table 1: Preparation of Protein Standards and the Sample

Figure 3: Multi-Cell Method Set-up using VISIONcollect software

Standards 2 to 7 were measured at 540 nm using

standard 1 as the reference sample, or blank. A linear fit
was applied to the standard results in Table 2 to obtain
the standard curve shown in Figure 4. The resulting
calibration curve exhibits a linear relationship with a
correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9996. The unknown
sample was measured in Quantification mode. Using
the calibration curve the concentration of protein in
the sample was calculated to be 1553 g/mL, as shown
in Table 2.

Solution

Standard 2
Standard 3
Standard 4
Standard 5
Standard 6
Standard 7
Unknown Sample

Concentration (g/mL)

Absorbance

200
400
700
1000
2000
3000
1553

0.0238
0.0541
0.0862
0.1304
0.2514
0.3817
0.1972

In addition to these
offices, Thermo Fisher
Scientific maintains
a network of representative organizations
throughout the world.

Table 2: Results of Protein Standards and the Sample using Biuret Method

Conclusion
Automated quantitative analysis of protein is performed
quickly and easily using the Thermo Scientific Evolution
Array UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The VISIONcollect
software includes a pre-configured method for the Biuret
assay, allowing further customization to individual laboratory
protocols. Integration of the sample measurement and data
analysis into VISIONcollect software saves time and improves
laboratory throughput by eliminating post-measurement
data manipulation. The 8-position cell changer enables
measurements to be taken without exchanging the cells
between measurements further increasing the efficiency
of your methods.
Figure 4: Biuret-Protein Complex Spectrum and Calibration Curve

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