Cry ELISA kits are designed to measure the levels of Cry (crystalline) proteins, which are often associated with the Cry protein family produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and used in biotechnology, particularly in genetically modified crops for pest resistance. These proteins can also be involved in various biological and environmental studies. Accurate quantification of Cry proteins is important for evaluating the efficacy and safety of Bt crops, as well as for research into microbial ecology and biopesticides.

Components

• Coated Microplate:
  • A 96-well plate pre-coated with antibodies specific to the Cry protein of interest. This allows Cry proteins in the sample to be captured on the plate.
• Standards:
  • Recombinant or purified Cry proteins with known concentrations used to create a standard curve for quantifying Cry levels in samples.
• Detection Antibody:
  • A secondary antibody specific to Cry proteins, typically conjugated to an enzyme such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or alkaline phosphatase (AP) for detection.
• Substrate Solution:
  • Contains a substrate that reacts with the enzyme linked to the detection antibody, producing a color change proportional to the amount of Cry protein present.
• Stop Solution:
  • An acid solution that halts the enzyme reaction and stabilizes the color for measurement.
• Wash Buffer:
  • Used to wash away unbound substances and reduce background noise, ensuring that only specifically bound Cry proteins are measured.

Technical Considerations

• Sensitivity:
  • The lowest concentration of Cry protein detectable by the assay.
• Specificity:
  • The ability of the kit to specifically detect Cry proteins without cross-reacting with other proteins.
• Reproducibility:
  • Consistency of results across different assays and sample conditions.
• Interferences:
  • Potential effects of other substances in the sample that might impact assay accuracy.

Applications

• Biotechnology: Assessing the presence and concentration of Cry proteins in genetically modified crops for regulatory compliance and efficacy studies.
• Environmental Monitoring: Detecting Cry proteins in soil, water, or other environmental samples to monitor the impact of Bt crops on ecosystems.
• Research: Studying Cry protein function, stability, and interactions in various biological contexts.