Heparin Catcher Plates

Heparin Catcher Plates are microplates coated with heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan. These plates are designed for capturing and studying heparin-binding proteins, such as growth factors, enzymes, and other biomolecules that interact specifically with heparin. They are utilized in various applications including protein purification, interaction studies, and assays that involve heparin-binding interactions.

• Material Composition:
  • Plates are usually made from polystyrene, which is durable and suitable for biological assays.
  • The surface of the plates is coated with heparin, a linear polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units, including sulfated glucosamine and uronic acid.
• Heparin Coating:
  • Heparin is applied to the plate surface to provide a high density of heparin-binding sites, facilitating the capture of proteins and molecules that have an affinity for heparin.
  • The coating is done under controlled conditions to ensure uniform distribution and functional integrity of the heparin.
• Binding Specificity:
  • Heparin binds to proteins through electrostatic interactions with positively charged residues and is specifically known to interact with heparin-binding domains in many proteins.
  • The binding of heparin to proteins is influenced by factors such as ionic strength and pH, which should be optimized based on the specific assay requirements.
• Plate Formats:
  • Available in standard formats such as 96-well and 384-well plates to accommodate different experimental scales.
  • Typically flat-bottom designs are used, allowing for compatibility with various detection methods including colorimetric, fluorescent, and luminescent assays.
• Applications:
  • Protein Capture: Ideal for capturing and studying heparin-binding proteins, including growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes, which interact specifically with heparin.
  • Protein Interaction Studies: Facilitates the study of interactions between heparin-binding proteins and their ligands or inhibitors.
  • Enzyme Assays: Used in assays where enzymes or other heparin-binding molecules need to be detected or quantified.
  • Pharmacological Research: Useful for studying drug interactions with heparin-binding targets and assessing the effects of pharmaceuticals on heparin-protein interactions.
• Compatibility:
  • Compatible with a range of detection systems, including colorimetric (e.g., HRP/TMB), fluorescent, and chemiluminescent techniques.
  • Suitable for use with standard lab equipment like automated liquid handling systems and microplate readers.
• Well Volume:
  • Designed to handle typical assay volumes, usually from 50 µL to 300 µL per well, depending on the plate format and the specific needs of the assay.
  • Ensures uniform distribution of sample volumes across wells, which is critical for obtaining consistent and reproducible results.