Description
Product Overview
BSA Low Endotoxin (<5 EU/mg) — Bovine Serum Albumin for Cell Culture, ELISA & Diagnostics is a highly purified bovine plasma protein (purity ≥96%, monomers ≥95%) with strictly controlled endotoxin content below 5 EU/mg (LAL-tested per lot). Sourced exclusively from cattle in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA — OIE-certified BSE/TSE-negligible-risk regions — with full traceability documentation.
Available as lyophilised powder (10 g – 500 g) and as a ready-to-use 30% solution (100 mL, 500 mL). Explore the complete BSA Low Endotoxin product page or browse our full BSA & Albumin portfolio.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Bovine plasma (AU / NZ / US) | Certificate of Origin |
| Purity (electrophoresis) | ≥96% | Agarose gel |
| Albumin content | ≥96 g/L | Bradford / BCA assay |
| Monomers (SEC-HPLC) | ≥95% | Size exclusion chromatography |
| Polymers / aggregates | ≤5% | SEC-HPLC |
| Endotoxin | <5 EU/mg | LAL (FDA/USP standard) |
| IgG content | <0.5 mg/mL | ELISA |
| Protease activity | None detectable | Azocasein assay |
| pH | 6.8–7.5 | pH meter |
| Solubility | ≥99% clear at 10% (w/v) | Visual + turbidimetry |
| Sterility (solution) | 0.2 µm filtered | Ph. Eur. 2.6.1 |
| BSE/TSE status | Free (OIE-certified regions) | Origin certificate |
| Storage — powder | RT sealed; 2–8 °C after opening | — |
| Storage — solution | 2–8 °C; do not freeze | — |
| Shelf life | 3 years (powder) / 2 years (solution) | — |
BSA Grade Comparison
| Grade | Purity | Endotoxin | Fatty Acids | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ≥96% | <10 EU/mg | Present | Routine research, protein standard, Western blot blocking |
| Low Endotoxin | ≥96% | <5 EU/mg | Present | Cell culture, ELISA, serum-free media, sensitive assays |
| Fatty Acid Free | ≥98% | <5 EU/mg | Removed | CHO/Vero/MDCK cells, lipid metabolism studies, FA-sensitive assays |
| Diagnostic Grade | ≥99% | <1 EU/mg | Present or free | IVD, clinical diagnostics, GMP applications |
For cell culture and sensitive immunoassays, Low Endotoxin BSA offers the optimal balance between performance and cost. See our full BSA Grades Guide for application-specific selection guidance.
Applications
- Serum-free cell culture media — protein carrier for fatty acids, vitamins, and hormones; shear stress protection; antioxidant. Typical: 0.1–5 g/L. Compatible cell lines: CHO, HEK293, Vero, MDCK, Sf9, primary cells
- ELISA blocking & sample diluent — 1–5% BSA in PBS/TBS; preferred over milk for anti-phospho antibody applications
- Western blot blocking buffer — 5% BSA in TBST; essential for phosphoprotein detection where milk-based blockers interfere
- Protein quantification standard — Bradford, BCA, Lowry, and A280 assays; standard curve typically 0–2000 µg/mL
- PCR & molecular biology — enzyme stabilisation (Taq, restriction enzymes, ligases); 0.1–0.4 mg/mL; RNase/DNase-free tested
- IVD & diagnostics — calibration standards, QC material, reagent stabiliser in commercial diagnostic kits
Available Formats
| Format | Size | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised Powder | 10 g | Small labs, method development |
| Lyophilised Powder | 50 g | Routine research |
| Lyophilised Powder | 100 g | High-throughput labs |
| Lyophilised Powder | 500 g | Bioproduction, large-volume applications |
| 30% Solution (w/v) | 100 mL | Ready-to-use, no dissolution required |
| 30% Solution (w/v) | 500 mL | Large-volume, high-throughput |
Bulk orders ≥1 kg and custom formats available on request — contact us for a tailored quote.
Key Benefits
Batch Reservation
Reserve validated lots up to 36 months for reproducible long-term workflows.
Full Documentation
CoA, LAL endotoxin certificate, BSE/TSE statement, Certificate of Origin (AU/NZ/US) — supplied by ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified partner facilities.
EU & Swiss Supply
Sourced from certified EU and Swiss partner facilities — fast delivery across EU, UK and Switzerland, full documentation included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does endotoxin content matter for BSA used in cell culture?
Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) are outer membrane components of gram-negative bacteria. Even at trace levels they activate TLR4 signalling, triggering proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) that alter gene expression, reduce cell viability, and confound experimental results. In serum-free media — where the buffering effect of FBS is absent — endotoxin sensitivity is significantly higher. For most cell culture applications, <5 EU/mg BSA (at 1 mg/mL BSA) is the critical threshold; for immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells), <0.1 EU/mL total is recommended.
What is the recommended BSA grade for CHO or Vero cell culture in serum-free media?
For CHO, Vero, and MDCK cells in serum-free media — particularly where lipid metabolism or fatty acid signalling must not be perturbed — Fatty Acid Free BSA is preferred. Low Endotoxin BSA (this product) is suitable for most HEK293, Sf9, and general mammalian cell culture applications where fatty acid status is not critical. See our BSA Grades Guide for a detailed selection matrix.
Why is BSA from AU/NZ/US origin preferred, and what BSE/TSE documentation is provided?
Australia, New Zealand, and the USA are OIE-certified BSE-Negligible Risk countries with strict ante- and post-mortem veterinary inspection, grass-fed cattle husbandry, and no animal meal in feed. Every batch is supplied with a Certificate of Origin documenting the source country, a BSE/TSE freedom declaration, and CoA. This documentation is accepted by EMA and FDA for GMP raw material qualification.
How should BSA Low Endotoxin powder be dissolved for cell culture use?
Add BSA powder slowly to sterile water or buffer (PBS, TBS) and swirl gently — do not vortex, as foaming promotes aggregation. Dissolve at room temperature or 37 °C to accelerate. Adjust pH to 7.0–7.4 with NaOH/HCl if required. For cell culture, sterile-filter through a 0.2 µm filter after dissolution. Prepared solutions are stable at 2–8 °C for up to 4 weeks; do not freeze.
Is batch reservation available, and what is the minimum order quantity?
Yes — batch reservation is available for most formats. Contact our team with your required volume, concentration, and timeline and we will hold the validated lot for up to 36 months. There is no fixed minimum order quantity; we supply from 10 g upwards. Bulk orders ≥1 kg are available with custom pricing and extended lot reservation options.
Request a Quote or Sample
48h response · EU & Swiss Supply · Batch reservation available · LAL-tested per lot
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