PXi Touch at University of Cambridge Provides More Accurate Result by Imaging Fluorescent and Chemiluminescent Proteins on One lot

8 Apr 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Product news

Syngene, a world-leading manufacturer of image analysis solutions is delighted to announce its PXi Touch imaging system is being used in a new application by scientists at the UK’s University of Cambridge to visualize multiplex fluorescent and chemiluminescent labeled proteins on the same Western blots. This is contributing to rapidly providing researchers there with more accurate and reproducible results.

Researchers in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge are using a PXi Touch multi-application imager to analyze proteins on Western blots stained with chemiluminescent and multiplex fluorescent dyes.

Dr Emily Taylor, Laboratory Manager in the Department of Pharmacology commented: “We want to perform multiplex fluorescent Westerns because we can use the same blot to probe for different proteins as we’re looking at proteins ranging 30 kDa to 260 kDa and it is quicker and easier to use just one blot rather than looking at multiple blots for each protein. For this application, we assessed the PXi Touch alongside a laser based scanning system and chose the PXi Touch because the touch screen software is easy to use and the camera is very sensitive.”

Dr Taylor continued: “Since we began using the PXi Touch system, we have discovered that the imaging capability is so good we can interchangeably use multiplex fluorescence and chemi dyes. We now use chemi to detect proteins expressed by our house keeping genes and fluorescence for the proteins of interest. We do this as fluorescence has a better linear range but chemi is more sensitive so we mix and match the two detection methods on the same blot and this is helping us to obtain greater accuracy and reproducibility of results.”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager, stated: “We are excited to hear that our latest imaging technology is being utilized at such a prestigious institute for this novel mixed imaging application. Their research shows scientists that using a PXi Touch means they can work smarter to obtain optimum results, time after time from their Western blots.”

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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.Gel Doc / Image AnalysisGel documentation (gel doc) or gel imaging systems are used for the analysis of proteins, antibodies and nucleic acid immobilized in polyacrylamide or agarose gels, membranes or microarrays. Explore a range of a gel imaging systems, densitometers, scanners, transilluminators or UV lamp + CCD cameras for your image analysis solutions. Colorimetric, fluorescent and/or radioisotopic samples can be visualized and documented for further analysis. See gel doc / Image analysis software for quantitative 1D and 2D analysis of your samples. Find the best gel doc / image analysis products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImagingImaging techniques are essential for obtaining visual representations of samples to understand structures, processes, and function in biological, chemical, and physical research. These tools range from traditional light microscopy to advanced imaging modalities like MRI and electron microscopy, providing researchers with valuable data for diagnostics, drug discovery, and material analysis. Explore imaging solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory to compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.BlottingProtein BiologyThe analysis of protein expression, identity and function is vital for many areas of life science research and drug discovery. Some of the most commonly used techniques in protein analysis include Western blotting, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.ChemiluminescenceFluorescenceThe emission of fluorescence occurs when a photon of energy is supplied to a fluorescent chemical compound by an external source, causing it to become excited. Fluorescence can be detected and measured for different purposes using microplate readers, fluorescence microscopes, fluorescence scanners, and flow cytometers.
PXi Touch at University of Cambridge Provides More Accurate Result by Imaging Fluorescent and Chemiluminescent Proteins on One lot