What is the BC156 Mitochondria Isolation Kit used for?
The BC156 Mitochondria Isolation Kit is designed to extract and purify intact mitochondria from cultured cells for downstream analyses such as protein assays, metabolic studies, and subcellular research. The kit enables efficient separation of mitochondria from other cellular components while preserving mitochondrial structure and function.
What type of samples can I use with this kit?
This kit is suitable for isolating mitochondria from cell cultures (e.g., mammalian cell lines). Users should start with an appropriate number of harvested cells according to protocol guidelines for best results.
How many isolations can I perform with one kit?
Each BC156 kit provides enough reagents to support approximately 50 mitochondria isolations, although the exact number may vary based on sample size and processing technique.
How long is the shelf life and what are the recommended storage conditions?
When stored as directed (typically refrigerated at 2–8°C and protected from light), this kit remains fully functional for at least 12 months from the date of manufacture. Always refer to the accompanying product label and instructions for precise storage details.
Can this kit improve yield compared to traditional centrifugation methods?
Yes. Although standard differential centrifugation is a proven method, the BC156 kit’s optimized reagent‑based isolation process improves mitochondrial yield and purity while significantly reducing hands‑on time and complexity. Many users find it more reproducible and efficient than classic mechanical approaches.
Can I use mechanical homogenization with this kit?
Yes, the kit supports integration with gentle mechanical disruption techniques (such as Dounce homogenization) if desired. This option can enhance mitochondrial release from cells while minimizing damage to organelle integrity.
What downstream applications is this kit compatible with?
Mitochondria isolated using the BC156 kit are suitable for a range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Western blot analysis
- Enzyme activity assays
- Protein profiling and quantification
- Metabolic function studies
- Respiratory chain analysis
Always follow specific downstream protocols to confirm compatibility with your experimental setup.
Does the kit provide a purified mitochondrial fraction?
Yes. The isolation process yields enriched mitochondrial fractions while minimizing contamination from cytosolic or other organelle proteins. Additional purification steps (e.g., further centrifugation) can be used depending on your downstream needs.
Is technical support available if I have questions about the protocol?
Absolutely. Documentation, protocol instructions, and troubleshooting resources are available with the kit components, and customer support is ready to assist with product‑specific questions or experimental guidance.