Ponceau S Staining Solution
Cat No.: DCP-PS1X
Size: 500 mL and 1000 mL
Sterile; Ultrapure, Filtered 0.1-micron membrane TWICE and 0.04-micron membrane ONCE.
Description:
Ponceau S staining solution is a rapid, reversible dye used primarily for detecting proteins on nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes after Western blot transfers. It provides a quick visual assessment of protein transfer efficiency and banding patterns before proceeding with more specific detection methods like immunoblotting. Ponceau S offers distinct advantages for workflow efficiency in protein analysis, particularly when membrane reuse is required. While less sensitive than colloidal Coomassie or SYPRO Ruby stains, its rapid reversibility makes it ideal for preliminary Western blot assessment. Proper destaining (using mild alkaline solutions if needed) ensures no interference with subsequent antibody binding.
Applications:
- Verifying protein transfer completeness in Western blots
- Assessing protein sample quality and integrity
- Normalizing protein loading across lanes
- Visualizing protein markers for membrane orientation
Advantages:
- Reversible staining: Easily removed with water or mild buffers, preserving membranes for downstream applications
- Rapid protocol: Visualize protein bands in <5 minutes
- Broad compatibility: Works with nitrocellulose, PVDF, and nylon membranes
- Cost-effective: Reusable solution with long shelf life
Composition:
| Ingredients |
Concentration |
| Ponceau S (tetrasodium salt) |
0.1% |
| Glacial Acetic Acid |
5% |
Comparison with Coomassie Blue:
| Feature |
Ponceau S |
Coomassie Blue |
| Sensitivity |
~1-10 μg |
~0.1-1 μg |
| Reversibility |
Yes |
No |
| Processing Time |
5-10 minutes |
30+ minutes |
| Detection Limit |
200+ ng |
50+ ng |
Membrane Compatibility:
| Membrane Type |
Compatibility |
Key Considerations |
| Nitrocellulose |
Excellent |
Optimal performance with clear background destaining |
| PVDF |
Excellent |
Requires methanol-free activation for best results |
| Cellulose Acetate |
Limited |
Works but less commonly used than nitrocellulose/PVDF |
| Nylon |
Incompatible |
Positively charged surface retains stain irreversibly |
Protocol
1. Staining:
- Submerge membrane in solution for 5–15 minutes at room temperature.
- Pink-red protein bands appear against a clear background.
2. Destaining:
- Rinse with water or 1% acetic acid until background clears.
- For stubborn stains, use 0.1M NaOH or TBS-T buffer.
3. Reuse:
- The solution can be reused multiple times if filtered.
Quality Control:
-
Appearance: Red Liquid.
-
pH: 2.2
-
Sterility: Filtered 0.1 micron Twice and 0.04 micron once in a sterile environment.
-
DNase activity: None was detected after incubation of plasmid DNA and this product for 18 hr at room temperature.
-
RNase activity: No RNase activity was detected after incubation of ribosomal RNA and this product for 18 hr at room temperature.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Safety and Handling:
CUSTOMIZATION: Please INQUIRE if other concentrations, additions of chemicals/compounds/proteins/supplements, different pH, and modifications are needed.
All DiagnoCine Precision Sterile buffers are filtered-sterilized with a 0.1-micron filtration two times and 0.04-micron filtration one time. Thus, mycoplasma contamination is prevented. The smallest size mycoplasma type can be about 0.2 microns.
* This product is manufactured under ISO 13485-certified and CE-approved facilities (Suppliers of DiagnoCine Precision). All final packaging, quality assurance, and testing are done at the DiagnoCine R&D and Quality Testing Center. All specific customization requests and assembly were accomplished at DiagnoCine Precision in Totowa, New Jersey, USA.
