The Biocolor Blyscan™ Glycosaminoglycan Assay is a quantitative colorimetric dye-binding method for the analysis of sulfated proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (sGAG). The assay can be used to measure the total sGAG content and can also be adopted to determine the O- and N-sulfated glycosaminoglycan ratio within test samples. The dye label used in the assay is 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue and the dye is employed under conditions that provide a specific label for the sulfated polysaccharide component of proteoglycans or the protein free sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains. Applications: Cell culture derived material, soluble sGAGs from fluids (ex. synovial fluid, urine), fibrous and hyaline cartilages, tissues (ex. arteries, heart, lung, skin and other material containing extracellular matrix, tumors). Soluble sGAGs may be assayed directly, solid materials will require a preliminary papain extraction. Sensitivity: 0.5 µg. Assay run time: 1 hour.