An Overview of Gel Documentation Systems

A gel documentation system is mainly used in molecular biology labs with an aim for imaging and documenting nucleic acids and proteins that are suspended in polyacrylamide or agarose gels. These gels are stained with fluorophores like ethidium bromide or SBYR green. Most of us haven't come across gel documentation devices in real life as they are only used for scientific purposes. Simplistically, a gel doc comprises a light source, CCTV camera, transilluminator, and a dark room to protect the body from UV rays. For this reason, it is also known as a gel image system or a gel imager.

Where are they used?

Gel documentation machines are widely used in genetic engineering laboratories. Be it colleges, protein-generating pharmaceutical industries, or genetic engineering research institutes. Moreover, gel documentation mechanisms are also used in clinical research labs and forensic laboratories.

Why should you use the gel documentation system?

Gel imaging is all about recording and identifying nucleic acid and labeled protein in diverse media like agarose, cellulose, and acrylamide. Microbiologists use this system for the rapid assessment of gels post electrophoresis and thereby, saving chemicals and time. It leads to visualization in 3-4 minutes. Gel documentation devices use stain-free technology that makes them pocket-friendly in every aspect.

Types of gel documentation systems

There are various types of gel documentation systems based on the sample type and throughput. Also, these systems come in different configurations and specifications that come in handy for the users. So, let's explore the diverse types of documentation systems:

1.  Chemiluminescence imaging system: Those who know a little bit about molecular biology understand that western blotting is necessary for the elimination of proteins based on the parameters like molecular weight. Laboratory technicians use chemiluminescence as an identification method for a western blot during occurrences of high sensitivity. With the advent of chemiluminescence imaging systems, things have become easier for scientists. This new-age technique further optimizes sensitivity, speed, and signal stability by a significant margin.
2.  Automated blot analysis: These systems are sensitive imagers that implement specialized software in assessing western blot data. With these systems in place, scientists can perform automation like light selection, focusing, selection, exposure, and acquisition. Here, researchers get a wide variety of choices ranging from UV, RGB color, infrared, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence. By using this system, molecular biologists can measure multiple targets simultaneously.
3.  Digital gel imaging systems: These systems are used to measure and record stained acrylamide gels on a digital platform. Not only do they provide effective data storage, but also authentic quantification of samples. These systems have various types of detectors like ethidium bromide (UV), visible light, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and densitometric for quantitative evaluation of protein, microplates, nucleic acid brands, and dot blots.
4.  Multiplex fluorescence imaging systems: These systems are used in the illumination of blotting membranes and identification of the signals over background noise. Biologists also implement multiplex fluorescence imaging systems to capture the blot image and signal analysis. They contain a light source, a photosensor, and emission filters.

Benefits of using a gel doc system

The prime advantages of using a gel doc system are listed below:

1.  Gives more information from sample materials and enhances an experiment's reproducibility.
2.  Convenient workflow.
3.  A CFR-compliant tool
4.  Time-saving
5.  Workflow convenience
6.  Increased data sharing with colleagues
7.  More quantitative than qualitative interpretation of data

A gel documentation machine is necessary for any lab performing protein analysis. In most instances, these systems come in diverse specifications with a customization option based on the level of application. Hence, it's always advisable to buy the one streamlined to your laboratory's needs while at the same time focusing on the budget.

PCR Machine - Explained

 

PCR Machine Do
Make many copies of small segment of DNA
Molecular Photocopying - Amplify DNA enough to study in detail
DNA produced by PCR has a variety of uses

Working Principle
Denaturing
Annealing
Extension/Elongation
DNA template
DNA Polymerase
Primers
dNTPs(Deoxynucleotide triphosphate)
PCR Buffer

Types of PCR
Conventional PCR machine
qPCR
Reverse Transcription
Nested
Hot Start
Digital (dPCR)  (Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) / qdPCR)

A brief overview of the Stability Chamber

 

If you wish to get a brief understanding of the working and the use of the stability chamber, this blog will provide you with answers, read on to see if your stability chamber is meeting all these requirements. 

What is the use of stability testing in the chamber?

Placing samples in environmentally controlled chambers to determine their quality and product value over a period of time under the influence of various environmental changes such as temperature difference, humidity, and light changes tests the performance of the sample. This data is useful in the research and development stage of any product before it is introduced to the market. The industries that greatly rely on this testing format are pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device manufacturers those in the food manufacturing industry, dealing with life science samples, etc.

What is the reason for stability studies?

Stability studies are a must for certain industries such as those dealing with drug development. The stability testing results reveal the influence of physical, chemical, and microbiological reactions on a sample, the test reveals the efficacy of the sample and the integrity that the final product shows when the testing period is over. A stability study program ensures the commercialization of the product sample determining its shelf life and helping manufacturers take the next step to the product's development.

How is the stability testing done?

The sample is stored in environmentally controlled chambers as a part of the stability study program. The samples are kept for a time frame after which they are removed and tested to see if temperature, humidity, and light changes have impacted the physical, chemical, or microbiological characteristics of the sample.

What is the length of stability testing?

Stability testing is done according to the guidelines recommended by the ICH International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). Broadly classifying stability in long-term testing extending for a minimum of 12 months at 25°C/60%RH, the long-term testing allows product degradation under conditions of recommended storage, intermediate testing is done at 30°C/65%RH. Accelerated testing is done for a minimum of 6 months at 40°C/75%RH. The product goes through a short-term testing period.

Retain testing is done on products that will be marketed from a batch of finished products defining market authorization, labels and packaging, and pharmacy vigilance report.

Thermal cycling testing mimics conditions like marketplace storage and the reaction it will have when it is transported to the market, on loading and offloading, etc.

How is accelerated testing done?

Storage for stability testing follows 40°C +/- 2 degrees and Relative Humidity (RH) of 75% +/- 5% according to the ICH guidelines. This testing is based on the final formulation of the established manufacturing process. The test determines shelf life and storage conditions in real-time studies.

How is long terms testing done?

Also called the room temperature stability storage, this testing condition follows storage parameters measuring according to ICH guidelines. This is a forced degradation study that provides more knowledge on the drug development process, the degradation chemistry, of drug substances and products. The finding is an authority that builds the foundation of drug formulation and packaging development. The ICH does not state any guidelines for forced degradation, but 5-20% is the recommended degradation limit.

What is photostability testing?

This testing is a must for ensuring quality especially for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs. If the drug is not tested adequately it will result in additional cost failure of the drug and loss of revenue. The selected drugs go through single batch testing, if the batch cites variations then the studies are repeated.

Reference samples are used for analytical testing of fully finished products.

Retention samples are used for identification purposes that include presentation, packaging, labeling, patient information leaflet, batch number, expiry date.

Both reference and retention samples are considered before a finished product is made ready for the market.

Conclusion

There is more to the stability chamber that those using it must know. You can go into greater details on the product from our website https://www.igenels.com/  and also purchase your stability testing device from us for the best results.

What is the Standard Operating Procedure for PCR?

What is PCR?

A polymerase chain reaction workstation is enclosed on all three sides. Amplifying DNA and RNA fragments into millions of copies this workstation is used in life science laboratories. The equipment prevents cross-contamination.

What is the working of a PCR machine?

• This enclosed cabinet workstation creates a laboratory environment that is particle and bacteria-free 
• HEPA filtered air cabinets transmit unidirectional steady and constant airflow with zero turbulence. 
• No protection is provided to the user but ensured protection to the samples and products from outside contaminants. 
• In vertical laminar airflow PCR cabinets, HEPA filters direct airflow in a downward direction on the work surface. The bacteria and other particles are drawn out. 
• Thick metal sheets and pipes facilitate safety to the cabinet. HEPA filters augment the most critical particles. With 95% to 5 microns efficiency, the Aluminium case does not wear off. The aluminium anodized case can be as fine as 0.3 microns with 99.99% efficiency. The blower motor includes aluminium anodized impellers, and the assembly has 1/4HP, 1400RPM. 
• Stainless steel work surface allows regular and easy cleaning fitted with air gas cock and an electric outlet. Interiors are illuminated by fluorescent lamps.
• The front side is covered with a manual sliding acrylic transparent door for the safety of the sample.
  

What more can you find from iGeneLabserve PCR workstation?

 LCD air velocity display, 

lamp on/off time status display, 

Germicide UV lamp sterilizing the workspace before starting work

Add extra electric sockets 

Add Magnehelic gauge if required. 

 If you purchase your PCR workstation from IgeneLabServe, check the details in the product manual to make your PCR workstation more customized. Look out for the added features that you require. Visit the website https://www.igenels.com/. Call 1800 5720 603 for details.