Bio-Rad's new 24 cm ReadyStrip™ IPG strips feature bar coding for high-throughput efficiency

HERCULES, CA, March 9, 2003 – Bio-Rad Laboratories continues to expand its 2-D electrophoresis product family with the introduction of the ReadyStrip IPG (immobilized pH gradient) strip in a 24 cm length.  Each strip features a bar coded unique identifier, a Bio-Rad first, to enhance high-throughput experimentation.

The strips permit universal acquisition of bar code data, and work with standard bar code readers.

Like all Bio-Rad ReadyStrip IPG strips, the 24 cm version consists of a dehydrated polyacrylamide gel cast on solid film. It is available in pH ranges of 3–10, 3–10, nonlinear, 4–7, 3–6 and 5–8. Narrow, overlapping pH gradients provide greater resolution with more centimeters of gel per pH unit, for stand-alone use or for creation of overlapped "virtual" gels.

ReadyStrip IPG strips are also available in lengths of 7, 11, 17, and 18 cm in broad, narrow, and micro pH ranges. The broad range includes pH 3–10 and 3–10 nonlinear. The narrow range includes pH: 4–7, 3–6, 5–8 and 7–10. The micro range includes pH 3.9–5.1, 4.7–5.9, 5.5–6.7, and the unique 6.3–8.3 range.

ReadyStrip IPG strips provide run-to-run reproducibility with tight gel length tolerances of ±2 mm, yielding consistent pl separations and allowing the direct comparison of spots between gels. The anode end and pH range of each strip are clearly and permanently labeled for convenience and to ensure proper orientation on the focusing cell.

“Last year we strengthened the ReadyStrip line with innovative pH gradients and some new sizes,” explains Mary Grace Brubacher, Bio-Rad Senior Product Manager, BioMaterials Division. “Now we're augmenting the large format 2-D offerings with the 24 cm ReadyStrip and ancillary products like precast gels, blotters, and stainers.”

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Bio-Rad now offers a complete range of IPG strip lengths and pH ranges to fit most systems and applications, including: studying a well-characterized protein, mapping the proteome, and isolating a large quantity of protein.

Bio-Rad also offers new ReadyStrip buffers optimized for pH range. Convenient packaging with clear inner bag makes it easy to count strips and remove them with minimal handling.

2-D electrophoresis is a key component of Bio-Rad’s ProteomeWorks™ system, a

multidivisional initiative to streamline proteomics research.  The program encompasses both protein discovery and post-discovery techniques.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (www.bio-rad.com ) is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and  clinical diagnostics. It is based in Hercules, California, and serves more than 70,000 research and industry customers worldwide through a network of more than 30 wholly owned subsidiary offices.

For more information call 800-424-6723 (800-4BIO-RAD) or visit us on the Web at

www.discover.bio-rad.com

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Editorial Contact:                                                Please send reader inquiries directly to:

Richelle Serrano                                                Debbie Schantz

Senior Product Manager, BioMaterials                  Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.                              2000 Alfred Nobel Drive

Phone: (510) 741-6763                                              Hercules, CA 94547 USA

E-mail: richelle_serrano@bio-rad.com                E-mail: debbie_schantz@bio-rad.com