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Abstract

A modification of the standard BCA protocol is provided that allows sensitive and reliable protein determinations in a matter of seconds utilizing a microwave oven to irradiate the samples. Methods of determining protein concentrations in a sample are disclosed comprising the steps of combining the sample with a BCA assay reagent in a sample container, placing the sample container into a microwave oven, irradiating the sample and measuring an absorbance value at 562 nm for the sample. Protein concentrations are then determined by comparing the absorbance value with a known value based on a calibration curve. In preferred embodiments, the calibration curve is generated by placing one or more standards in the microwave oven and irradiating the standards. Preferably, the step of irradiating the sample is carried out for a duration of less than about 60 seconds and most preferably, for a duration of about 20 seconds. The step of irradiating the sample most preferably comprises exposing the sample to microwave energy at a power level of between about 600 to about 650 watts at a frequency of about 2.45 GHz. In addition to the preferred embodiments using BCA reagents, it has been found that the incubation times other protein assays, such as those based on the reaction with alkaline copper tartrate can also be significantly reduced by exposing the sample and the assay reagents to microwave irradiation. Apparatus for performing such microwave enhanced assays is also disclosed.

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