Alexa Fluor™ 488 streptavidin comprises a biotin-binding protein (streptavidin) covalently attached to a fluorescent label (Alexa Fluor™ dye). Streptavidin has a very high binding affinity for biotin, and a conjugate of streptavidin is commonly used together with a conjugate of biotin for specific detection of a variety of proteins, protein motifs, nucleic acids, and other molecules (for example, a biotinylated primary antibody bound to a protein target can be detected with a fluorescently labeled streptavidin). Strategies similar to this are used in many detection protocols including western blots, flow cytometry, imaging and microscopy, and microplate assays. Alexa Fluor™ dye streptavidin conjugates are supplied as 1 mg lyophilized product or in 0.5 mL volumes of a 2 mg/mL solution.

Important Features of Alexa Fluor™ 488 Streptavidin Conjugates:
• Alexa Fluor™ 488 streptavidin conjugate has Ex/Em maxima of ∼ (495/519)
• Bright, photostable fluorescence
• High solubility in aqueous solutions
• Available in multiple colors
• Ideal for western blots, flow cytometry, imaging and microscopy, microplate assays and more

Properties of Alexa Fluor™ Dyes
Alexa Fluor™ dyes are organic fluorescent dyes developed for better performance in imaging and other labeling protocols and exhibit improved photostability and brightness and improved solubility in aqueous solutions. Available in a broad range of colors, these dyes are a good choice for most imaging applications.

Blocking Endogenous Biotin
Naturally occurring biotins can interfere with biotin-streptavidin detection schemes. For experiments involving fixed and permeabilized cells, try our Endogenous Biotin-Blocking Kit (Cat. No. E21390) to minimize this interference.

See User Manual for solubility instructions.