2-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis

Immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing technology is a major step forward in the field of isoelectric focusing. Using small, pH gradient forming acrylamido-acids and bases, pH gradients are formed that have the benefit of being stable (do not diffuse or experience cathodal shift).  Additionally, the gradients can be tailor-made to fit individual needs of length and pH range. This gives the scientist extraordinary power to zoom in over extremely narrow pH ranges to separate and identify proteins with extremely high resolution.

The PCL utilizes Immobilized pH gradient technology (IPG DryStrip) provided by GE Healthcare.  The lab has two IPGPhor focusing units and routinely handles strips of either 7 cm (mini-gel) or 13 cm (large format) in length and a variety of commercially available pH ranges. As in all Isoelectric focusing protocols, sample preparation is of utmost importance to the overall success of the experiment.

The second dimension is run on a Hoefer SE600 system (~12 x 14 cm) with external cooling.  Mini-2D gels are run on the GE Healthcare Tall Mighty Small system (8 x 10 cm) for maximum resolution. All gels are handmade and custom designed for your particular needs.

The PCL is also developing the use of Blue Native Gels for the separation of protein complexes.  Please call us for further details.

Additionally, as all samples are unique, individual attention may be required to facilitate the successful outcome of this type of work therefore we require that scientists contact the PCL in advance of submitting samples for this analytical service.