HERCULES, CA — October 2, 2008 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, announced today the launch of the Criterion Stain-Free imaging system, designed to enable stain-free detection and quantitation of proteins. The system consists of a new formulation of Bio-Rad's Criterion precast gels, a Criterion Stain-Free imager, and Image Lab software.
SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining, is a standard, widely used method used to separate proteins and monitor the progress of protein purification workflows. The process involves running a gel at each chromatographic step, followed by a staining and destaining procedure, which can be a time consuming step. Two major limitations of the SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining method are the limited use for protein quantitation and lack of reproducibility.
The Criterion Stain-Free system enables scientists to bypass the staining and destaining steps of SDS-PAGE and visualize protein samples in two and one half minutes after electrophoresis. In addition, the system captures digital images of gels to make record keeping easy and gel drying obsolete.
Key benefits of the system are:
- Gel images may be obtained in as little as two and one half minutes after electrophoresis
- One-touch instrument operation
- Equal or improved sensitivity compared to a Coomassie stain
- It is compatible with western blotting and mass spectrometry
- Digital images and data are easy to share, print, and store
- The need for a gel drying step is eliminated
- There is no organic waste as a result of the process
"The Criterion Stain-Free imaging system provides researchers the ability to standardize their protocols and dramatically shorten their time to results," said Charles Martin, Bio-Rad marketing manager, Imaging Systems and Software. "As a result, scientists can quickly move on to the next step in their experimental workflow."
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb) has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs approximately 6,300 people globally and had revenues approaching $1.5 billion in 2007. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.
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