HSA 20% solution, 20 ml

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in human plasma and has a molecular weight of approximately 66.5 kDa. It is used as a protein supplement in tissue cultures to transport hormones, vitamins, or growth factors and promote cell growth. In addition, HSA stabilizes the pH value of the cell culture medium, promotes cell wall stability, and binds toxic trace elements. HSA is also used to solubilize lipids and as a stabilizer or adjuvant in vaccines. HSA is a stable, virtually unreactive, small protein with good solubility in water (50 mg/ml). Due to these properties, it is also used as a concentration standard for calibrating test procedures (e.g., Bradford test, Lowry test, biuret reaction) or as a blocking reagent in immunological detection methods (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, ELISpot) and in immunohistochemistry.

Our 20% HSA solution is produced in physiological sodium chloride as a sterile, ready-to-use solution. Recommended storage temperature: -20°C

Properties

Low BSE/TSE risk – origin in the USA or Australia/New Zealand
High batch consistency - Maximum protein purity > 95%
High safety and quality - Strict quality control of raw materials, complete documentation

Good to know

HSA (commercially purified HSA is also known as ‘Fraction V’) is the most abundant protein in human plasma. It preferentially binds polar molecules such as water and ions (e.g., Ca, K, Zn) and thus serves to regulate colloid osmotic pressure in the blood. However, due to free hydrophobic regions, HSA also has an affinity for less polar substances such as fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin, and various drugs, and has various functions as a transport protein.

Cohn fractionation

Albumins are often isolated using a process known as ‘Cohn fractionation’. Cohn fractionation describes a gentle method for separating plasma proteins by adding ethanol. Ethanol is added to the blood plasma in increasing concentrations while simultaneously reducing the pH value and temperature. Plasma proteins precipitate specifically depending on the ethanol concentration, pH value, and temperature and can be divided into different fractions:

Fraction I: Fibrinogen, Factor XIII
Fraction II: Immunoglobulins
Fraction III: Beta-1-lipoproteins, isoagglutinins, prothrombin, mannan-binding lectin, transcobalamin II, serum amyloid P, and many more.
Fraction IV: Alpha- and beta-globulins
Fraction V: Albumins