Safe and Convenient Fluorescent Stain Imager for Proteome Analysis

We have produced a safe and convenient “fluorescence imager” to observe the protein bands and spots in the polyacrylamide gel stained by the fluorescent stain. Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) and the argentation or silver stain method have been used usually for this staining. The staining of the gel using a fluorescent stain, such as SYPRO Ruby was developed recently. This fluorescent stain has more advantages compared to the CBB and silver stain method. The most common fluorescent stain used for observation of the protein bands analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is SYPRO Ruby. To detect the SYPRO Ruby stained bands, an ultraviolet (UV) transilluminator or a large and expensive laser scanner is required. A UV transilluminator is usually used because fluorescent stain scanners are cumbersome and expensive for this purpose. Although UV light is harmful to eyes and skin, it has been used usually to identify and excise the target protein bands and spots in the gel. In addition to the need for, protection of the users, UV light damages the proteins. We have produced a convenient and safer fluorescent stained gel imager to avoid the above problems. The sensitivity of our device is as high as that of the laser scanner, the excitation light is not harmful to the human body and does not damage proteins. Additionally it is possible to produce various sizes of devices required for this purpose.