Gel Documentation and Marker System Optimizes Image Analysis Workflow

A new gel marker system incorporates an innovative gel documentation system with an automated marking system, thus optimizing imaging and image analysis workflow in life science laboratories and reducing exposure times for delicate DNA to less than five seconds, including digital image capture.

Norgren Systems, a division of AEI (Appalachian Electronic Instruments, Inc.; Fairlea, WV, USA), presented the GEBR system January 2008 at Lab Automation 2008 Conference, in Palm Springs, CA, USA.

Once the image is captured and the bands of interest have been selected, the robotic arm marks all four corners of the selected band, sterilizing the tool between each band. The gel is imaged and marked in just a few minutes. The bands of interest are distinctly visible with a white light box, and can be carefully excised without causing harm to the DNA or to the user.

Sophisticated technology improves all facets of DNA gel analysis and manipulation, providing safety, enhancing DNA integrity, improving speed and automation for increased throughput, all at a reasonable cost. "We are setting new standards in innovation” said Tim Vincent, Ph.D., director of applications at Norgren Systems. "A long-standing problem in molecular biology is how to excise DNA bands from agarose gels without damaging the DNA by exposure to UV [ultraviolet] light or exposing the operator to UV light. The GEBR system provides an elegant solution to this problem while also providing an excellent gel imaging and documentation instrument.”

Norgren Systems is a developer of laboratory equipment and a provider of product-related services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.


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