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Amine-reactive Biotinylation Reagents

Amine-reactive Biotinylation Reagents

Amine-reactive Biotinylation Reagents

Amine-reactive biotinylation reagents are a cornerstone in the field of bioconjugation and protein labeling, providing a reliable means to attach biotin molecules to amine groups on proteins, peptides, and other biomolecules. These reagents are invaluable in a range of applications, including affinity purification, detection assays, and protein-protein interaction studies. The high affinity of biotin for avidin or streptavidin makes these reagents indispensable in many biotechnological and research applications.

Common Amine-Reactive Biotinylation Reagents

Alfa Chemistry's amine-reactive biotinylation reagents are designed for efficient, reproducible conjugation to primary amines found on lysine residues or the N-terminus of peptides and proteins. These reagents are available in several forms, each optimized for different experimental needs and sensitivities:

  • N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) Esters

NHS esters are the most widely used amine-reactive biotinylation reagents. They react rapidly and efficiently with primary amines under mild conditions to form stable amide bonds. These reagents are ideal for labeling proteins, peptides, and other amine-containing molecules.

  • Sulfo-NHS Esters

Sulfo-NHS esters are water-soluble variants of NHS esters, allowing for biotinylation in aqueous solutions without the need for organic solvents. This makes them particularly suitable for labeling biomolecules in physiological conditions, ensuring minimal disruption to biological activity.

Fig.1 The sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin derivative reacts with primary amines (the N-terminal amino group or -amino group of a lysine residue) to form a stable amide bond.Figure 1. Sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin derivatives react with primary amines to form stable amide bonds[1].

  • Pentafluorophenyl (PFP) Esters

PFP esters offer enhanced reactivity compared to NHS esters, enabling faster conjugation and higher labeling efficiency, especially for challenging targets or applications requiring rapid processing.

  • Tetrafluorophenyl (TFP) Esters

TFP esters combine the advantages of NHS and PFP esters, offering improved stability and reactivity. They are especially useful in applications where extended reaction times or elevated temperatures are required.

How Amine-Reactive Biotinylation Reagents Work

1) Target Recognition - These reagents typically contain a reactive group that specifically targets amine groups (NH2) present in proteins and other biomolecules.

2) Biotin Conjugation - The reactive group forms a stable covalent bond with the amine group, attaching the biotin molecule to the target molecule.

3) Streptavidin/Avidin Interaction - The biotinylated molecule can then be detected or purified using streptavidin or avidin, which bind to biotin with high affinity.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Biotinylation Reagent

  • Different reagents have different reactivity profiles. Consider the pH and buffer conditions of your experiment.
  • Ensure the reagent is specific for amine groups and will not react with other functional groups in your target molecule.
  • The length of the spacer arm can influence the accessibility of the biotin tag to streptavidin or avidin.
  • Choose a reagent with appropriate water solubility for your application.

Reference:

  1. Azimzadeh O; et al. Use of Biotin Derivatives to Probe Conformational Changes in Proteins. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2007, 282(30): 21609-21617.

※ It should be noted that our service is only used for research, not for clinical use.

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