NewsSeparations
Millipore Optimizes Protein Fractionation Using Ultrafiltration
22 Oct 2006Product news
Millipore Corporation today announced the development of a protocol for efficiently compartmentalizing protein solutions using ultrafiltration in a centrifugal mode.
Traditional fractionation techniques utilize size-exclusion chromatography, which is both laborious and time intensive. Comparatively, the new method confirms the advantage of speed and efficiency through a combination of Millipore’s Amicon® Ultra centrifugal devices and expertise.
Amicon Ultra centrifugal devices enable researchers to fractionate protein mixtures quickly and easily due to the product design. The bi-vertical housing limits membrane polarization, while the hydrophilic microstructure of low-binding Ultracel® ultrafiltration membrane enables efficient protein separation. This method expedites the fractionation process by minimizing process steps such as setting up columns, optimizing column flow rates, and collecting and concentrating various fractions.
Fractionation is a process for separating a mixture into its component parts to eliminate the complexity of the proteome. Common applications for this technique include biomarker analysis from serum, protein purification, 2D-PAGE and sample preparation for mass spectrometry analysis for those scientists in university, pharmaceutical and biomedical laboratories performing protein research.
Links
Tags
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.Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Size Exclusion ChromatographySize exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a liquid chromatographic technique used to separate and identify molecules based on their size, including polymers, proteins, nanoparticles & nucleic acid. SEC is further subdivided into gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) when an aqueous or organic mobile phase is used respectively. HPLC-based SEC systems and columns are available for analytical separation alongside SEC spin columns or filters to prep samples for many protocols. Find the best size exclusion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.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.FiltrationFiltration and microfiltration are used to separate solids, particulates or large molecules from fluids (liquid or gases) in order to purify the filtrate. Explore a range of filter formats, including filter paper, plates and membranes for your separation needs. While larger particulates may be separated by gravity filtration, smaller particulates may require additional force for timely separation. Microfiltration equipment includes vacuum filters, as well as positive pressure, crossflow and centrifugal filtration devices. Find the best filtration products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.CentrifugesCentrifuges are used to separate particulates suspended in a liquid via the application of a centrifugal force including cells, macromolecules, nanoparticles and precipitates. Centrifuges come in three sizes: microcentrifuges, benchtop and floor-standing centrifuges, depending on the volume and number of samples that require separation. When choosing a centrifuge, consider its maximum separation power indicated by its relative centrifugal force (RCF) value. Low force centrifuges reach a maximum RCF of 8,000 g, high-force centrifuges can reach maximum RCF values of 80,000 g. For extremely high forces, consider ultracentrifuges (up to 800,000 g). Refrigerated and vacuum centrifuges also known as concentrators are available for more specialized applications. A range of volumes are available for centrifuge tubes and microfuge tubes, depending on sample sizes. Find the best centrifuges in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Evaporators and Freeze DryersCentrifugal evaporation is used for solvent removal from a sample. This is a useful technique for sample concentration or sample drying. Many centrifugal evaporators are modular with a central vacuum pump for generating low pressure. Useful features of evaporators or vacuum ovens include minimal solvent bumping, solvent resistance, computer control, temperature regulation and benchtop design.