Thermo Scientific and Invitrogen protein stains are easy to use and effective for in-gel detection. Whether you need quick visual confirmation or require a highly sensitive stain to detect low-abundance proteins, we have a comprehensive collection so you can choose the protein stain most suitable for you.

 

Protein stains

Coomassie staining Silver staining Fluorescent protein staining
Sensitivity 25 ng 0.5 ng 0.5 ng
Ease of use +++ + +
Mode of action In acidic conditions, Coomassie stain binds to basic and hydrophobic residues of proteins, changing from dull reddish-brown to intense blue. Silver ions interact and bind with carboxylic acid groups (Asp and Glu), imidazole (His), sulfhydryls (Cys), and amines (Lys). Silver ions are reduced to metallic silver, resulting in a brown-black color. Most fluorescent stains involve simple dye-binding mechanisms rather than chemical reactions that alter protein functional groups.
Detection Visual Visual Compatible imaging system
Compatibility with downstream applications Mass spectrometry (MS)–and sequencing-compatible Certain formulations are MS-compatible Most stains are MS-compatible
Products Value: PageBlue Protein Staining Solution Value: Pierce Silver Stain Kit Value: SYPRO Red Protein Gel Stain
Performance: SimplyBlue SafeStain Performance: SilverXpress Silver Staining Kit Performance: SYPRO Orange Protein Gel Stain
Premium: Imperial Protein Stain Mass spec: Pierce Silver Stain for MS Premium: SYPRO Ruby Protein Gel Stain

Protein stains