Clontech launches beads to TALON range
which uses magnetic bead technology to separate microscale
quantities of protein when placed on a magnetic separator.
Magnetic bead separation is proving to be an increasingly important application in the life sciences. Microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, drug discovery and cancer research will rely on this process for future advances.
Clontech's magnetic beads can be used to bind to the desired target (cells, nucleic acids, proteins or other biomolecules). When placed within a magnetic field its magnetic properties can be exploited.
The beads, which are precharged with Co2+, have a higher specificity for polyhistidine-tagged proteins than nickel-based resins.
Co2+ is bound to the beads using TALON's tetradentate metal chelator, which binds cobalt at four sites, virtually eliminating metal leakage during purification.
The beads bind histidine tagged proteins ranging from low to high molecular weight with high specificity. These beads are supplied as a 5 per cent suspension with a demonstrated binding capacity of 750 µg of protein per ml of suspension.
Magnetic separations work by means of specific affinity coatings attached to tiny magnetic beads. Beads are mixed with a sample containing the target biomolecules or cells such that the target has the opportunity to bind tightly to the affinity group on the bead.
Once attached, the bead and the target can be separated using a strong magnetic field. The beads are superparamagnetic, meaning they will respond to a magnetic field, but do not, themselves, become magnetised.
Depending on the process, the target may either remain bound to the bead or released by washing in a suitable solvent. Therefore, efficient and rapid isolation is possible.
Microscale purification with the beads can be used for screening expression levels or for protein-protein interaction studies.
In addition, the use of TALON chemistry allows for scaling-up of purification of target proteins using Clontech's standard TALON Resin.
The advantages of magnetic handling allow for easy washing, separation and concentration of the target without any need for centrifugation or columns.
The lack of magnetic remanence combined with the excellent dispersion abilities also meet the demands required for automated systems and microfluidics.
Magnetic bead technology has proved popular for applications, which include, DNA separation and mRNA purification, cell isolation and rare cell detection, development of immunoassays, capture of biomolecules and protein purification.
More information on Clontech's latest product can be found here.
