The micro-cell protein digestion kit from MtoZ Biolabs is specifically designed for integrated protein digestion of samples containing as few as hundreds to thousands of cells. It is suitable for low-abundance cell populations, FACS-sorted cells, and single-cell-level proteomics sample preparation. The kit combines an efficient lysis buffer system with a mass spectrometry-grade digestion module to achieve high reproducibility and high-efficiency protein digestion for micro-scale samples and is fully compatible with LC-MS/MS analysis platforms. It is especially applicable for fine sample processing scenarios such as spatial proteomics and micro-regional tissue analysis.
With the widespread application of research models involving low-input samples (such as single-cell technologies, organoid models, and microfluidic systems), scientists are increasingly facing challenges in processing micro-scale samples. Particularly in cases with extremely limited total cell numbers, such as rare cell populations (e.g., tumor stem cells, immune cell subtypes, neuronal subtypes) or single cells isolated from microenvironments, traditional protein preparation methods requiring large starting material quantities often fail to meet research needs.
Protein preparation and digestion of micro-cell samples are key steps for downstream proteomic analysis. These samples typically suffer from low protein concentration, high sample loss, and strong background interference. An effective and reproducible protein digestion strategy must ensure both enzymatic efficiency and specificity while minimizing protein loss and nonspecific degradation, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and depth of mass spectrometry detection. Therefore, the development of a high-efficiency, low-loss, and user-friendly protein digestion solution optimized for micro-scale cell samples is of great importance for advancing proteomics research on low-abundance samples.
Product Overview
The micro-cell protein digestion kit from MtoZ Biolabs utilizes sequencing-grade trypsin and a chemically stable lysis/denaturation system. It is compatible with various cell types (adherent or suspension) and can be applied to micro-scale samples derived from mammalian cells, mouse or human tissue-derived cells, and organoids for efficient enzymatic digestion. The kit integrates key steps such as cell lysis, protein denaturation, reduction and alkylation, and enzymatic digestion. By optimizing reagent concentrations and reaction conditions, it minimizes protein loss during sample processing, improves peptide recovery rates, and significantly enhances the detection of low-abundance proteins.
Additionally, the micro-cell protein digestion kit comes with a standardized operating procedure and requires no complex equipment or pretreatment steps, making it particularly suitable for researchers engaged in micro-scale proteomics studies to apply flexibly in their laboratories.
Product Details
|
Product Details |
Size |
Storage Conditions |
|
Lysis buffer |
100 μL×1 |
-20℃ |
|
Wash buffer |
2 mL×1 |
RT |
|
Elution buffer |
500 μL×1 |
RT |
|
Tip |
12 tips |
RT |
Protocol
MtoZ Biolabs fully understands the value of every micro-scale sample. To support researchers working with limited material, we have developed a streamlined and efficient standard operating procedure that ensures high-quality protein digestion while maximizing sample utilization and experimental reproducibility. The following is the recommended protocol for the micro-cell protein digestion kit, covering the complete workflow from cell lysis to peptide recovery. Users may adjust the steps based on actual sample conditions.
1. Tip Pre-treatment
(1) Pre-treat the Tip columns according to the standard protocol.
2. Integrated Workflow
(1) Add lysis buffer into the Tip column.
(2) Introduce a small number of cells (approximately 200-2000) into the lysis buffer.
(3) Briefly centrifuge to mix the lysis buffer and cells.
3. Enzymatic Digestion
(1) Incubate at 37°C for several hours or overnight to ensure thorough digestion.
4. Peptide Recovery
(1) Wash the Tip column twice using Wash Buffer.
(2) Elute peptides using Elution Buffer.
(3) Collect the eluted peptides for LC-MS/MS or other mass spectrometry-based analysis.
Features and Benefits
1. Compatible with Micro-scale Samples
Suitable for processing samples containing 200-2000 cells, effectively addressing the challenge of preparing rare samples.
2. High-Efficiency Digestion System
Utilizes an optimized buffer system and high-quality trypsin to ensure efficient and specific protein cleavage.
3. Low Background and Low Adsorption Formulation
Reagent system avoids common mass spectrometry inhibitors to maximize MS compatibility.
4. Compatible with Various Downstream Applications
Resulting peptides can be directly used in multiple mass spectrometry analysis modes including DDA, DIA, and PRM.
Applications
1. Single-Cell and Rare Cell Population Studies
Suitable for proteomics analysis of T cell subsets, early embryonic cells, circulating tumor cells, and other low-abundance cell types.
2. Spatial Proteomics / Laser Microdissection Samples
Enables efficient protein digestion of micro-dissected tissue regions, ideal for integration with regional labeling or spatial mass spectrometry.
3. Clinical Micro-Sample Processing
Designed for clinically limited specimens where material is scarce, such as biopsy samples, cerebrospinal fluid, and fetal tissues.
4. Stem Cells, Organoids, and Microculture Systems
Provides a high-quality sample preparation solution for low-density culture systems prior to mass spectrometry analysis.
FAQs
Q1: What Is the Minimum Number of Cells that Can Be Processed? Will it Affect Mass Spectrometry Results?
A1: The kit has been rigorously validated to process as few as approximately 100 cells, making it suitable for the majority of low-input samples. We have optimized the enzyme-to-buffer ratio to ensure efficient digestion and high peptide recovery even at ultra-low input levels, providing reliable support for downstream mass spectrometry analysis.
Q2: Is the Kit Compatible with both Suspension and Adherent Cells?
A2: Yes, the micro-cell protein digestion kit is compatible with both suspension and adherent cell types. For adherent cells, we recommend using gentle detachment methods to collect the cell pellet prior to lysis to prevent protein degradation. Suspension cells can be processed directly after centrifugation.
