MinuteTM Total Protein Extraction Kit for Insects

Despite significant variation in body organization, insects all have the same general body structure. They have segmented bodies divided into three regions: head, thorax and abdomen. The body segments are protected by a hard exoskeleton or cuticles. From a protein extraction point of view, the unique structure of an exoskeleton makes it very hard to homogenize. It is also very difficult to lyse cells protected by cuticle for total protein extraction. Traditional solution-based protein extraction methods, such as RIPA, are inefficient and the protein yield is low. The profile of extracted protein using traditional methods is usually incomplete. This kit provides a highly efficient method for total protein extraction from insects using a combination of mechanical extraction and chemical lysis. The cell lysis buffers used are much stronger than RIPA buffers. The kit features a simple, fast single-tube protocol and optimized buffers for insect tissues. Researchers have the option to choose either a denaturing or native cell lysis buffer, which is specifically tailored for insects. The whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes to complete and the protein yield is in the range of 1-3 mg/ml. The materials provided are sufficient for 50 extractions.