All of the proteins of the albumin family are water-soluble, moderately soluble in concentrated salt solutions, and experience heat denaturation.

Bovine serum albumin is usually used, although versions from humans and genetically-modified rice are also used to reduce animal cruelty.

Albumin comprises three homologous domains that assemble to form a heart-shaped protein.

[2] The principal regions of ligand binding to human serum albumin are located in hydrophobic cavities in subdomains IIA and IIIA, which exhibit similar chemistry.

Worldwide, certain traditional Chinese medicines contain wild bear bile, banned under CITES legislation.