3100 OFFGEL Fractionator: Proteomics with High Precision and Flexibility
The Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator is a cutting-edge solution designed for the isoelectric focusing (IEF) fractionation of proteins and peptides, enabling the recovery of these biomolecules in liquid phase. This liquid phase recovery makes the system superior for proteomics analysis, particularly for the identification and study of low-abundance proteins, which are often masked by complex sample matrices or a broad dynamic range of protein concentrations. In modern proteomics, where sample complexity can be overwhelming, the 3100 is engineered to tackle these challenges with efficiency and precision.
Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is a key technique in proteomics, where proteins and peptides are separated based on their isoelectric points (pI). The Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator leverages this principle but stands out by recovering the separated biomolecules in liquid phase rather than trapping them in a gel. This liquid phase recovery not only ensures minimal sample handling but also simplifies the transfer of samples to downstream analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography (LC/MS), immunodepletion, or gel-based analysis. By seamlessly integrating with these processes, the Agilent 3100 enhances the overall sensitivity and accuracy of mass spectrometry (MS) detection.
The high precision of the 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator is reflected in its ability to achieve a resolution as fine as 0.1 pH unit. This level of resolution is critical for researchers aiming to detect low-abundance proteins that are often lost in traditional fractionation techniques due to insufficient separation.
User experience is a key aspect of modern lab equipment, and the 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator excels in this area with its state-of-the-art web-based user interface. The system can be operated from any PC or even mobile devices like an iPhone, allowing for remote control and monitoring. This convenience extends to all aspects of the system, making it incredibly intuitive to use. Whether researchers are focused on biomarker discovery, protein identification, or functional protein purification, the 3100 integrates effortlessly into any proteomics workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
In terms of flexibility, the 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator can process up to 16 samples in parallel on two trays, each holding eight samples. This capacity allows for high-throughput analysis, making it suitable for large-scale proteomics studies. The system’s broad loading capacity, ranging from 50 µg to 5 mg of sample, ensures that it can be used for a variety of applications, from routine analytical tasks to the maximum enrichment of low-abundance proteins. This versatility is further enhanced by the system’s support for both OFFGEL fractionation and conventional isoelectric focusing using immobilized pH gradient (IPG) gels.
Another advantage of the 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator is its ability to integrate with upstream and downstream sample processing steps. For instance, the system is compatible with immunodepletion techniques, which remove abundant proteins, enabling researchers to focus on low-abundance proteins. Additionally, the system can seamlessly integrate with protein digestion techniques and LC/MS for multidimensional separations. This compatibility makes the 3100 a versatile tool in a wide range of proteomics workflows, enhancing both the depth and quality of analysis.
The system's diagnostic capabilities provide users with real-time information on the fractionation process. During operation, the 3100 measures and records key parameters such as voltage, current, and power, displaying this information online for each individual sample. These diagnostics can be exported to spreadsheet applications for further analysis, ensuring that the quality of each fractionation process can be easily evaluated. The Agilent 3100’s independent high-voltage power supplies allow two different methods or sample sets to run simultaneously, offering increased flexibility in lab workflows.
Furthermore, the system features an automated log that records up to 1,200 data files, storing all operational parameters and error events. This log updates automatically, providing researchers with complete access to the history of each fractionation, which can be essential for troubleshooting and ensuring consistent results over time. The system’s cover design also allows for the fractionation of light-sensitive protein samples, offering additional flexibility for researchers working with complex sample types.
With its intuitive interface, high-throughput capabilities, and comprehensive diagnostic tools, the 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator is designed to meet the demands of today’s proteomics researchers.
