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Bio-Rad introduces next generation Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell instrument

Bio-Rad
28 Mar 2007
Kerry Parker
CEO

Product news

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostics products, today announced the introduction of its next generation Mini-PROTEAN® Tetra Cell 1-D electrophoresis mini-gel system. First introduced over 20 years ago, the Bio-Rad mini-gel protein electrophoresis system has become the solution of choice around the world, for both handcast and precast gel users. The Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell delivers unparalleled ease-of-use with its patented clamping frame.

Using two running modules, the Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell accommodates from 1 to 4 handcast or Ready Gel® precast gels. Its patented sample loading guides prevent skipping or repeated loading of lanes. The Tetra system also simplifies the process of casting and running gels by eliminating tedious assembly procedures.

Interchangeable modules allow a Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell to move from one application to another quickly and easily. Each module fits into the same buffer tank and lid to form a complete cell. The modular configurations are:

  • Mini-PROTEAN Tetra electrophoresis cell for running handcast or precast PAGE and SDS-PAGE gels
  • Mini-Trans-Blot® electrophoresis transfer cell for western blotting

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ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Western BlottingWestern blotting equipment is used to transfer and identify specific proteins within a sample, reveal protein modifications, as well as give a semi-quantitative estimation of their concentration. Western blotting equipment includes all apparatus necessary to transfer proteins from gel to membrane and subsequent processing steps. Protein transfer can be performed by electroblotting with wet, semi-dry and dry transfer systems onto nitrocellulose and PVDF membranes. Blocking, washing and labeling of membranes follows, involving buffers, blocking reagents, blotting / incubation trays, labeling reagents, immunoblotting assays, antibodies and conjugates. Automated equipment for these steps is available to accelerate your lab workflow. Finally, detection and imaging of proteins can be conducted using gel documentation and imaging systems. Find the best western blotting equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.

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Bio-Rad introduces next generation Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell instrument