Using Biotinylated Proteins to Demonstrate Immunodetection of Antigens via Western Blotting, Dot Blots, and Immunohistochemistry

: Using biotinylated targets for detection by enzyme-linked avidin allows immunodetection methods to become more economic in cost and time as it negates the need for a specific primary antibody. Methods are described to use exogenously added biotin to complex biological samples to demonstrate western blotting, dot blots, and immunohistochemistry. These methods can be used in biological science tertiary teaching laboratories to allow novices to gain skills in a risk-free environment to promote student motivation and engagement.