Streptavidin is a protein that has similar binding
properties to egg white avidin
It is isolated from streptomyces avidinii. Streptavidin has a
molecular weight of 60 KD and has 4 subunits.
Each subunit can bind one molecule of biotin. Biotin is a
watersoluble vitamin.
Streptavidin has an extremely high binding affinity (Kd=10-15) for
biotin. It has proven useful in the detection of antigens coupled with
biotinylated secondary antibodies. There are several advantages when using
streptavidin versus an avidin complex (ABC). In contrast to avidin, streptavidin
is not glycosylated and is therefore uncharged at neutral pH (6.5 versus 10).
This lowers nonspecific background staining.
Streptavidin also lacks carbohydrate side chains that may be
another cause of non-specific background.
Another key advantage of streptavidin is the significant increase
in sensitivity (probably due to less steric hindrance), thus facilitating an
increase in overall binding capacity.
Finally, streptavidin-enzyme conjugates are much more stable than
an ABC complex.
The ABC complex must be freshly made 30 minutes prior to use and
is stable only for a few days. In contrast, a streptavidin-conjugate can be
stored for up to 1-2 years. The reagent comes in a ready-to-use format, thus
saving time and potential mistakes.BIOCARE’S 4plus™ detection system has been
developed to provide a significant increase in staining sensitivity.
The vast majority of primary antibodies can be diluted two-fold
compared to other commercially available detection systems. 4plus™ Universal
Detection system can be used with both mouse and rabbit primary antibodies.
After labeling the antigen with a primary antibody, a universal,
affinitypurified, biotinylated secondary antibody is added to bind to the
primary antibody.
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled-streptavidin is then added to
bind to the biotinylated secondary antibody.
A chromogen/substrate is then applied and reacts with a specific
enzyme to produce an intense color signal.
4plus™ detection systems work well with paraffin-embedded tissues,
frozen sections and cell
preparations.<
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