In this system, I have a microbead that has reactive functional groups on the surface along with DNA conjugated to some of those groups. If I was to use a blocking agent like BSA, would the functional groups and DNA on the surface be covered or just the spaces in between?
I'm sure everyone must have had this thought at some time. As BSA is so widely used as a blocker, clearly it works most of the time. It is reasonable to suppose though that not all blockers are exactly equivalent, and e.g. gelatin or ovalbumin might be used. Another approach is to chemically deactivate any remaining reactive functional groups with small molecules (though this does not necessarily obviate the need for physisorption of a protein blocker).
Nick Gee Thank you for your response! I suppose I should make my question slightly more specific. I would like to take advantage of the benefits of covering the surface of the bead with a blocking agent but I don't want my functional molecules covered as well. Does a blocking agent cover everything that is not protein or are small molecules and DNA left exposed?
The functional groups are stay exposed, the purpose of the blocking is to block the area which does not have functional molecule on it.
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