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.
Find out more at thermofisher.com/proteinstains
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
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PageBlue Protein Stain | 1 L | 24620 |
SimplyBlue SafeStain | 1 L | LC6060 |
Imperial Protein Stain | 1 L | 24615 |
Pierce Silver Stain | 1 L kit | 24612 |
SilverXpress Silver Stain | 1 kit | LC6100 |
Pierce Silver Stain for MS | 1 L kit | 24600 |
SYPRO Ruby Protein Gel Stain | 1 L | S12000 |
SYPRO Orange Protein Gel Stain | 500 µL | S6650 |
SYPRO Red Protein Gel Stain | 500 µL | S6654 |