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Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is one of the most widely used proteins in the life science lab. It blocks non-specific binding in immunoassays, stabilises enzymes and antibodies, carries lipids and hormones in cell culture, and serves as a protein standard.

Life Science Group supplies BSA as a lyophilised powder and as a ready-to-use 30% solution. Grades are matched to the job, so you only pay for the purity your application needs.

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Choose the right BSA grade

If you need… Choose Why
A general-purpose ELISA, Western blot or IHC blocker Protease-free BSA No protease activity to degrade antibodies, antigens or enzyme conjugates
BSA for sensitive cells or endotoxin-sensitive assays Very low endotoxin BSA Reduces the risk of endotoxin affecting cell responses or assay results
A diluent for secondary antibodies or immunoassays where IgG interferes Low IgG BSA Less bovine IgG to cross-react with anti-bovine or anti-goat secondary antibodies
A specialist albumin for assay and reagent development Polymerised BSA, Type I or Type II A modified albumin with a different molecular profile from standard BSA. Ask us which type suits your application
A ready-to-use stock without weighing powder 30% solution Dilute directly to working strength, with no reconstitution step
The longest storage life and lowest shipping cost Lyophilised powder Stable dry format, reconstituted to any concentration

Not sure which grade fits? Tell us your application and we’ll recommend one.

Common applications

  • Immunoassay blocking: ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry
  • Assay diluents: antibody, antigen and sample diluents
  • Protein and enzyme stabilisation: in reagents, conjugates and diagnostic kits
  • Cell culture supplement: as a carrier protein for fatty acids, hormones and trace elements, and in serum-free and reduced-serum media
  • Protein standard: for Bradford and BCA assays
  • Molecular biology: for restriction enzyme and PCR reactions, and nucleic acid hybridisation

Quality and traceability

Every batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis. The origin of each product is stated in its name. LSG is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and ISIA traceability certified, so you can trace each batch back to source.

Bulk and custom: We can supply BSA in bulk, or build it into a custom buffer or blocking solution through our contract manufacturing service.

Request a quote or sample at sales@lifesciencegroup.co.uk or on +44 1234 889180.

Frequently asked questions

What is BSA used for in ELISA?

BSA coats the unoccupied binding sites on a plate or membrane after the capture step. This stops detection antibodies from binding non-specifically and lowers background.

What is the difference between protease-free and standard BSA?

Protease-free BSA is processed and tested to ensure no detectable protease activity. That matters when BSA sits in contact with antibodies, enzymes or antigens for long periods.

Why choose low IgG BSA?

Standard BSA can carry traces of bovine IgG, which some secondary antibodies recognise. Low IgG BSA reduces that cross-reactivity.

Should I buy lyophilised BSA or a 30% solution?

Lyophilised powder is easier to store and ship and lets you make any concentration. A 30% solution saves weighing and dissolving time, and suits labs that use a standard working dilution.

Is BSA the same as Fraction V?

“Fraction V” refers to the fraction of plasma that albumin is traditionally purified from. Many BSA products, including blocking grades, start from Fraction V.

Can't find what you need?

GMP aligned manufacture of cell culture media, buffers and reagents in the UK. We produce anything from small trial batches up to 2,000 litres backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accredited quality systems.

Ask about custom manufactureContact our team