Applications

Protein Purification
belart-protein-purification-1278

Protein Purification

A protein purification workflow typically involves many, often intricate, steps. While having the right reagents is critical to success, the right lab equipment and supplies can help make your workflow more simple, more efficient, and more effective. Below are some of the major steps commonly undertaken in a protein purification workflow, highlighting where the right lab equipment can help make your lab work easier.

cell-lysis-22-1000

Cell Lysis

One of the first steps is the lysing of cells to access their proteins. Depending on the cell type, this may be done mechanically or chemically. Either way, the extracted proteins are delicate and care needs to be taken to make certain downstream steps are successful.

 

chromatography-22-1000

Chromatography

Protein chromatography separates proteins based on their properties. This allows for selection and isolation of the target proteins.

dialysis-22-1000

Dialysis

Dialysis is a separation technique that removes smaller, unwanted compounds from the solution of larger protein molecules. Molecules diffuse into either side of a selective membrane based on the molecular size.

assay-22-1000

Assay

Once interferences are removed by the purification steps, you are then able to quantify and detect the target protein with various techniques, such as such as fluorescence, spectrophotometry, or colorimetry.

 

electrophoresis22-1000

Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis can be used to separate proteins for both analysis and purification. Once proteins have been separated, they can be used for downstream applications like enzymatic assays, further purification, immunoblotting, and elution and digestion for mass spectrometric analysis.

PCR Prep
belart-pcr-prep-1278

PCR Prep

Preparing for a successful PCR experiment requires optimal samples, reagents, and reaction protocols, but having the correct tools to prepare your PCR experiment can also improve the outcome of the reaction and increase the reliability of your results. These tools can provide you with better sanitation of the working environment, efficient thawing and mixing of samples and reagents, precise, accurate, and reliable repetitive pipetting of reagents and samples, and improved storage conditions.

From storage of your samples and reagents to thawing, mixing, and processing them, the SP Bel-Art™ portfolio of products can help you achieve successful and reliable PCR results every time. For example, SP Bel-Art™ LabMat™ bench liners can absorb and contain spills quickly, and wide-mouthed and trigger spray wash bottles can be used with bleach solution to decontaminate benches. For precise, accurate, and reliable dispensing of samples into a PCR prep, you can use a repeating pipettor, such as the SP Bel-Art™ Roxy M™ Repeating Pipettor and pipette into SP Bel-Art™ Magic Touch 2™ ice buckets and tube racks that can keep samples and reagents at stable temperatures throughout the process.

pcr-prep-sanitation-1000

Sanitation

Lab benches, equipment, and devices can introduce contamination from previous DNA preparations. Because PCR is a sensitive and specific technique, attention must be given to sanitization, preparation, and organization prior to beginning PCR work.

thawing-22-1000

Thawing

It is important to gently thaw samples and reagents that contain sensitive enzymes to ensure successful PCR.

mixing-22-1000

Mixing

Proper mixing ensures that the chemicals needed for the PCR experiment support and contribute to the reaction.

reagent-sample-storage-22-1000

Reagent and Sample Storage

Long-term storage of samples and enzyme reagents is done at sub-freezing temperatures.

Chromatography

Chromatography

chromatography-tab-main-1000

Separating molecules by chromatography occurs across multiple branches of science and relies on successful fractionation. At each step of the process, having the optimal tools improves the chances of a well-defined separation of your sample components.

chromatography-prep-1000

Preparation

When preparing the column, careful thought must be given to provide best sample separation. Consider sample polarity, size, and affinity. Preparation is dictated by what type of chromatography is used — analytical or preparative.

chromatography-running-column-1000

Running the Column

Columns must be set up properly for samples to run effectively. Factors like loading the column or making sure it is vertically straight could make a vast difference in sample collection.

chromatography-fraction-1000

Fraction Collection

Fraction collection varies, depending on how well you can visualize your sample on the column. Best practice dictates to collect many small fractions that can be pooled together once their purity is confirmed.

chromatography-cleanup-1000

Clean Up

Properly cleaned glassware and plasticware allows for confidence in future analyses using the same methodology.