New Research Device Enables Leak-Free Protein Gel Casting

Invitrogen SureCast Gel HandCast System saves time and money

21 Jan 2016
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Product news

Researchers now have access to a device that enables reliable, leak-free custom development of protein gels for electrophoresis. Developed for simplicity and with an intuitive design, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s newly launched SureCast Gel Handcast System also helps to save time, money and precious samples.

While precast gels for the separation of proteins are popular among researchers, hand casting polyacrylamide gels continues to be the favored method used by labs around the world. But leakage and the loss of precious samples are recurring issues with many systems on the market. One of the core advantages of the SureCast Gel Handcast System is its ultra-durable glass plates, which are more than three-times thicker and up to 20-times more durable than currently available glass plates. A single-motion, load-and-lock system also creates a securely sealed assembly for confident protein gel casting.

“Through our continued commitment to innovation, we are bringing to our customers this latest addition to our high-quality protein electrophoresis product portfolio,” said Joydeep Goswami, vice president and general manager of protein and cell analysis for Thermo Fisher. “For those who prefer to pour their own gels, the SureCast System provides a rapid, reliable and hassle-free way that no other comparable product in the market currently allows.”

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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.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.Protein QuantificationThe detection and quantification of proteins in a sample is vital across life sciences, pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics, and a variety of equipment is available to scientists to simplify the workflow. Proteins of interest can be easily labeled and detected on light-based detection instruments. Immunoassay kits allow you to identify a specific protein of interest and protein detection beads or antibody microarrays allow you to identify multiple specific proteins at once. Protein interactions and enzyme activity can also be monitored with protein-protein interaction assays. Additionally, the biophysical characterization of proteins is made easy with biokinetic analyzers. Find the best protein detection and quantification products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gel ImagingGel imaging captures high-resolution images of electrophoresis gels to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins. Essential in molecular biology, this technique helps visualize results for accurate quantification and documentation. Discover top imaging systems and compare user-reviewed options in our directory.Cell AnalysisThe analysis of cells allows researchers to understand the factors which contribute to cell health and function. These influencing processes can then be predicted and altered, leading to the development of medication and disease treatments.Protein SeparationProtein Purification
New Research Device Enables Leak-Free Protein Gel Casting