title: Comparison of the sensitivity of different India inks staining of electro-blotted proteins on filter membranes.
abstract: The sensitivity of different brands of India ink for staining proteins blotted onto filter membranes is described. Proteins that are electro-blotted onto filter membranes show better retention than those dot-blotted alone. Higgins engrossing waterproof black ink No. 893 can detect protein at a concentration as low as 5 ng which is much more sensitive than Coomassie blue. The nitrocellulose membrane from S&S is ideal for blotting proteins and gives low levels of background staining. The sensitivity of protein staining is however, affected by the types of India ink, ink concentrations, staining times and membrane lots. India ink is also found to be useful for staining circulating immune complexes separated by SDS-PAGE and electro-blotted onto filter membranes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Lek
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: L Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000097:blood; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002244:Carbon; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004586:Electrophoresis; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D004396:Coloring Agents; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011506:Proteins; C028433:chinese ink; D002244:Carbon