Ricinus communis Lectin (RCA) Production Service at CD BioGlyco

RCA is a glycoprotein found in the seeds of the castor oil plant R. communis. RCA I is one of the most widely used lectins, which consists of two subunits. It is dissociated into closely related chains between 27 and 33 kDa. One of the chains is unique to RCA I, while the other chain appears to be common to the B chain of ricin.

Our RCA production services include the following steps.

Fig.1 RCA production and characterization service. (CD BioGlyco)

• Extraction: Ripe castor seeds are first ground into a fine powder. The powdered seeds are then soaked in a buffer solution to allow the lectin proteins to dissolve. The mixture is then centrifuged and the supernatant containing the dissolved lectin is collected.
• Dialysis: The collected supernatant is dialyzed to remove any unwanted small molecules. The process involves placing a solution into a semi-permeable dialysis bag or tube, which allows small molecules to pass through but retains larger molecules.
• Ammonium sulfate precipitation: Ammonium sulfate is slowly added to a solution, forcing proteins (including lectins) out of the solution. The precipitate is then collected by centrifugation.
• Purification: The final step in the process is to purify the lectins using chromatography. Typically, affinity chromatography is used for lectins because of their specific affinity for carbohydrates. In the process of chromatography, lectins attach to specific carbohydrates, while other proteins navigate through the column. The bound lectin is eluted using a sugar solution that binds more strongly to the carbohydrates in the column.

RCA-1 is supplied without preservatives as the liquid. Larger production quantities are available on request. In addition to RCA-1, we offer several labeled lectin products.

To enrich Lectin Production, we also propose a Recombinant Lectin Production Service.

Applications

• RCA is used in affinity chromatography based on its carbohydrate-binding specificity to isolate glycoproteins.
• RCA has been used as an immunotoxin for cancer therapeutics.

Advantages

• Extraction and purification from natural sources by chromatographic procedures produce a sizeable quantity of lectin.
• Combining new technology with traditional technology.
• The strict quality monitoring platform.

Over the years, CD BioGlyco have an extensive lectin portfolio with the most used in the glycobiology field. In addition, we have enriched the lectin production service to cover our clients’ essential needs. We will continue to conduct research and expand our service area to help our clients achieve their goals. You are welcome to contact us for high-quality RCA production service. We look forward to your happy cooperation.

Reference:

1. Akande, T. O.; et al. A review of nutritional and toxicological implications of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal in animal feeding systems. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2016, 100(2): 201-210.