Starr Trek Universal HRP Detection System

Product Description

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 kDa and has 4 subunits. Each subunit can bind one molecule of biotin. Biotin is a water-soluble 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 Starr Trek detection system has been developed to provide a significant increase in staining sensitivity. Starr Trek Universal Detection system can be used with both mouse and rabbit primary antibodies. After labeling the antigen with a primary antibody, a universal, affinity-purified, 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. Starr Trek detection systems work well with paraffin-embedded tissues, frozen sections and cell preparations. Starr Trek universal detection systems can be used with BioGenex and Dako prediluted or concentrated antibodies at a significant cost reduction.