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TIBS 1 4 - No vember 1989
R-Phycoerythrinantibody conjugates R-Phycoerythrin, a phycobiliprotein with an extinction coefficient nearly 30 times that of fluorescein, is an excellent fluorescent label. Sigma Immunochemicals offers a wide range of highly specific primary and secondary antibodies labeled with phycoerythrin as exceptional fluorescent probes for multiple labeling techniques. They have a minimum working dilution (in immunofluorescence assays and flow cytometry) of 1:20. Phycoerythrin-conjugated antibodies are affinity purified and are available as whole IgG and F(ab')2 fragments. For further information enter no. 136 on the advertising enquiry form.
Thermal microscope stage Sensortek's new Thermal Stage for
petri dishes, the TS-4SPD will maintain specimen temperature on the microscope stage at any point between - 2 0 and +100°C, and is accurate to 0.1°C within this range. The collar on the stage is designed to accommodate most standard 35 mm petri dishes, and may be removed for temperature-controlled slide applications. The petri dish stage can be used with most upright and inverted microscopes. A hole in the stage permits the use of transmitted light. Temperature is adjusted with controls on the front panel and the digital display gives continuous readout of stage temperature. The unit needs only 110 V or 230 V AC current and a trickle of running water for continuous operation. The controller can also be used as an independent thermometer and a needle microprobe is provided for this purpose. For further information enter no. 143 on the advertising enquiry form.
Gemini gets more features Following the success of the Joyce-Loebl Gemini Gel Analyser, the software has been enhanced to incorporate many new and useful features, making the processing and quantification of one- and two-dimensional gels much easier.
A feature called 'task listing' now allows the operator to 'train' Gemini to capture, preprocess and extract (in a few minutes) up to 1000 spots per gel. Once trained the tasks can be replayed on as many gels as necessary. The operator still maintains editorial privilege before the two-dimensional gels are matched and (at the end of the experiments) the ability to interrogate gels for matches, mis-matches and spot-intensity variations across many gels. ASCII data files can now be processed either by the Joyce-Loebl RESULTSpackage or by proprietary data bases. The one-dimensional gel analysis software allows the user to acquire scans on the Gemini system, process the data and provide a full range of analytical interpretation including Molecular Weight calibration and multiple track comparisons. Enhancements also facilitate the ability to look qualitatively at gels by programming pseudocolour tables which can transform the gel image at video rate, and Gemini now has the 'wire frame' three-dimensional reconstruction facility with hidden line removal which shows surface and spot variations graphically. For further information enter no. 137 on the advertising enquiry form.
Go horizontal!
Lab scale protein purification system Oros Instruments has launched its new Model 100 touch-screen protein purification system which will reduce the time involved at the chromatography bench. The system uses innovative software to help users develop effective purification methods quickly, and then runs the process automatically. It can be used to purify any protein, and is particularly useful for developing purification methods on a large scale. The equipment comprises a compact Chromatography Module capable of developing immunopurification, affinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, ionexchange, gel-filtration or chromatofocusing techniques and a Controller Module with a touch-sensitive screen. No keyboard is necessary and the Controller Module monitors and controls all parameters via a system of safety checks including air sensors to detect the absence of buffers and an air eliminator to protect the column. Experiments are also documented. The Model 100 system provides not only a full description of the method but also a full event log of the experiment and comprehensive data presentation at the end. For further information enter no. 142 on the advertising enquiry form.
The new precast ExcelGel T M SDS gradient 8-18, and precast ExcelGel T M SDS buffer strips from Pharmacia LKB on a horizontal electrophoresis system enable you to separate SDS-denaturated proteins (Mr 6500300 000) efficiently in as little as 75 minutes, without having to cast gels, mix buffer or cut wicks. Efficient cooling and the 0.5 mm thin gel accelerate separation, staining and destaining, and give sharp bands and high resolution. Up to 52 samples or two two-dimensional maps can be run on each gel. The gel is plastic-backed, for easy handling, evaluation and storage, and measures 110 x 245 mm. These products are intended for use primarily with Multiphor T M and Ultrophor T M systems from Pharmacia LKB, but they can also be used with FBE3000 and other appropriate horizontal systems.
Chromatographers often work with small and valuable samples. Microvolume tapered inserts (MTVs) from Chromacol are designed to fit inside larger vials, and reduce the internal volume. They also have a taper which allows the needle to have the maximum amount of sample displacement during the sampling period. A micro tapered support is available to ensure the MTV inserts are held upright in the vials. The 02-MTV insert fits into Chromacol's 2 ml vials, i.e. 2-CV, 2-CVG, 2-CV(A). The 03-MTV is designed to fit into Chromacol's 2.5-CV vial, as used by the new autosamplers from ICI Instruments and Pharmacia-LKB. The 02-MTV also fits the corresponding screw cap versions of these vials.
For further information enter no. 145 on the advertising enquiry form.
For further information enter no. 146 on the advertising enquiry form.
Microvolume tapered inserts