The Safe Production of BSA

Bovine serum albumin is a safe animal protein serum used in medical, scientific and dietary uses. When properly handled and processed, BSA is stable and versatile.

While infective levels of BSE have been found, keep in mind that BSA comes from a different source than BSE. The infective tissues for BSE are in the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and distal ileum. Bovine serum albumin is manufactured from bovine plasma, an animal derivative naturally processed through the cattle industry. International regulatory authorities regard blood as extremely low risk.

Bovine serum albumin can be processed in such a way that any potential contamination is minimized. Risk is further minimized if US cattle are used to make the BSA. Steers and heifers are best. Bovine serum albumin is best not derived from young animals.

Since BSA comes from the cattle industry, it is also free of swine flu. The virus is formed from a mixture of swine, human and avian viruses, not cows. Plus, the swine flu virus is killed at temperatures of 160 degree F. Bovine serum albumin is cooked well above that temperature through its manufacturing process.

BSA is a common food product, and no cases of contaminated BSA have ever been found. Bovine serum albumin is a frequent ingredient in whey protein concentrates, making up about 5% of the protein. It can even improve the quality of life of those with irritable bowel syndrome by reducing symptoms.

Bovine serum albumin also benefits the medical community. Much of our knowledge of DNA is possible because BSA can help break down the molecular structure of DNA. Bovine serum albumin is used to stabilize some of the enzymes during the breakdown and digestion of DNA. The protein in BSA doesn't affect the other enzymes that don't need it for stabilization.

Bovine serum albumin serves many uses as a carrier protein and stabilizing agent. It can also be used as a blocking agent in blot hybridization. BSA is a common additive in PCR amplifications, gel shift and footprinting assays.

The production of bovine serum albumin contains a high number of nucleases. Because of this, BSA is highly acetylated as enzymes are inactivated.

With so many uses, it's good to know that the process of BSA is safe and free from disease. As blood presents the lowest risk for disease, when compared to other fleshier parts of the animal, bovine serum albumin carries minimal to no risk. Used in labs as well as the kitchen, BSA has an ever expanding number of uses that serve the public.

About the Author:

Corenlius Griffin is the author of this article on Bovine Serum Albumin. Find more information about BSA here.