Biuret Test pH

What is the Biuret Test?

The biuret test, commonly known as Piotrowski’s test, is a chemical procedure for detecting peptide bonds. In an alkaline solution, a copper(II) ion produces mauve-coloured coordination complexes in the presence of peptides. The BCA test and the Modified Lowry test are two versions of the test that have been developed.

Because the bonds in biuret molecules ([H₂N-CO]₂NH) are similar to peptide bonds, a positive result for this test is also received when the analyte contains them. Proteins bind copper at higher pH, generating the biuret complex in particular. Proteins mobilise copper ions in a pH-dependent manner.

Table of Contents

• Biuret Test Overview
  • Principle of Biuret Test
  • Biuret Reagents
  • The procedure of Biuret Test
• Biuret Reaction at the Physiological pH
• Importance of Biuret Test
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biuret Test Overview

Biuret is a chemical made by heating urea to 180 degrees Celsius. The Biuret reagents, which include a 1 percent solution of Copper II sulphate (CuSO₄), are used in a chemical test known as the Biuret test. The Cu²⁺ in the Biuret reagent binds to the peptide bonds in proteins, forming a complex. As a result, this test aids in the identification of peptide bonds in any substance.

Below is an illustration of a positive biuret test with the unique pale purple colour that indicates it.

It should be noted that there have been various variations of the biuret test established. The modified Lowry test and the BCA test are two examples of such variants. It’s also worth noting that the intensity of the purple colour, and hence the absorption at 540 nanometers, is proportional to the protein concentration in the analyte (as a consequence of the Beer-Lambert law). Because the bonds in biuret molecules ([H2N-CO]2NH) are similar to peptide bonds, a positive result for this test is also received when the analyte contains them.

Principle of Biuret Test

This test’s technique is based on a number of ideas. The following are some of them:

• When Biuret is treated with dilute copper sulphate in the presence of alkaline, a purple-coloured material is generated. The creation of a chelate complex, or copper coordination complex, is responsible for its colour.
• Using water’s oxygen and the unshared electron pairs of peptide nitrogen, Cu(II) or cupric ions form a violet-colored chelate complex.
• This compound appears violet since it absorbs light at 540 nm. Its colour shifts from blue to violet when protein is present.

• This reaction occurs in a chemical with at least two H₂N-CH₂-, H₂N-C, H₂N-CS-, or similar groups connected directly or through a nitrogen or carbon atom.

Biuret Reagents

Copper sulphate (CuSO₄), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium-potassium tartrate are used to make the biuret reagent (also known as Rochelle salt). Biuret ((H₂N-CO-)₂NH) is not present in this reagent, despite its name. The Biuret protein assay relies on it.

The procedure of Biuret Test

We may easily conduct this test by following the instructions below.

• To begin, gather three dry and clean test tubes.
• Fill the test tubes with 1 or 2 mL of the test solution, albumin, and deionized water.
• Fill each test tube halfway with Biuret reagent (1-2 mL), shake carefully, and set aside for 5 minutes.
• Finally, notice how the colour changes.

Biuret Reaction at the Physiological pH

The biuret method, which uses the interaction of peptide bonds in proteins with cupric ions at alkaline pH to generate a coloured product that absorbs at 540–560 nm, is often used to assess total protein in plasma or serum.

The Lowry method is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude more sensitive (5 to 150 g) than the biuret method, which is sensitive in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 mg protein per experiment.

The biuret method, which uses the interaction of peptide bonds in proteins with cupric ions at alkaline pH to generate a coloured product that absorbs at 540–560 nm, is often used to assess total protein in plasma or serum. As a result, this approach relies on a constant ratio of peptide bonds to protein mass, which isn’t true for all proteins in blood but is precise enough for clinical usage.

Importance of Biuret Test

The importance of the biuret test stems from the fact that it can identify the amount of protein in the urine. Protein overabundance can cause renal damage as well as other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.