Gel Documentation Systems: Everything You Need to Know

A gel documentation system is extensively used in molecular biology laboratories for analyzing DNA and RNA. Researchers use a gel documentation system to image and document nucleic acid and protein suspended with agarose or polyacrylamide gels. These systems come in multiple configurations depending on the sample type and throughput.

Types of gel documentation systems

Given below are some of the common types of gel documentation systems:

1. Chemiluminescence: Used for western blotting.
2. Laser: This gel doc system type offers high sensitivity and precise quantitation for radioisotopes. It gives you flexibility when it comes to choosing emission filters including custom filters.
3. Film Auto Radiography: It is used for radioisotopes.
4. Multiplex: It detects and images several fluorescent signals in the same experiments. It also identifies colorimetric, luminescent, and radioisotopic signals.
5. CCD/Digital: Ethidium Bromide, chemiluminescence, infrared, and visible light detectors are present to take quantitative reads of nucleic acid and protein bands, microplates, and dot blots.
6. Phosphoimagers: This gel documentation system comes with enhanced sensitivity for multiplex fluorescence applications and radioisotopes. It also gives you flexibility when choosing emission filters.

What is a gel documentation system made of?

A gel documentation system comprises an ultraviolet light transilluminator, a darkroom, or a hood to shield external light sources, thereby, protecting the user from UV exposure. It also comes with a CCD camera for image capturing. With the advancement in camera sensors, low-light capable cameras are also being incorporated into gel documentation systems.

Benefits of using a gel documentation system

The prime benefits of using a gel documentation system are listed below:

1. Accurate image analysis
2. Extensive linear dynamic range
3. No costly consumables
4. Workflow convenience
5. Fewer hazardous chemicals
6. Supports fluorescent detection

Applications of gel documentation systems

The major applications of a gel documentation system are listed below:

1. Gel and blot imaging
2. Colony counting
3. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibody binding affinities
4. Multiplex Protein Detection
5. Protein Quantitation
6. 2D Electrophoresis
7. Post-Translational Modification Characterization

Molecular biologists use a gel documentation system for imaging and documenting nucleic acids and proteins that are suspended in polyacrylamide or agarose gels. Gel documentation systems come in various types and choosing the right one for your experiment requires a fair bit of research.

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