I am only a beginner with 2D gels but in some ways I think that this makes
me more qualified to comment on at least the ease of use of immobilised
strips.
I am currently trying to get this procedure up and running and have had
experience with both tube gels and immobilised strips. I am currently using
the Pharmacia Immobiline system of Immobilised strips and have found it
very easy to use and run. The strips are especially easy to transfer from
the 1st dimension tothe second dimension run. Pharmacia ahve a new
reswelling cassette where you can rehydrate the strips with the sample so
that sample application and rehydration are completed in 1 step. This
removesthe need for sample cups or any thing making the procedure even
easier. You are supposed to be able to reswell the strip with up to 5 mg of
protein. I have not tried a sample this high. The strips are covered with a
mineral oil for the run so the chance of contaminants from the system is
fairly low.
i hope that my somewhat limited and probably naive opinion has been of
assistance
Good luck
Amanda HAll
Amanda Hall
Professional Officer
Newcastle Protein
University of Newcastle
ph 02 4921 7299
email: mbah@medicine.newcastle.edu.au