Simulation Tool for Protein Purification

An interactive CD-ROM called Protein Purifier allows users to simulate the experience of designing a laboratory-scale protein purification protocol using a variety of common separation and analytical techniques.

"Protein Purifier is an extremely valuable simulation aid that teaches scientists to solve problems and allows them to experiment with chromatographic strategies for separating and analyzing proteins,” says Allan Simpson, vice president, laboratory separations, at Amersham Biosciences (Piscataway, NJ, USA), which developed the original software and then the CD-ROM.

The Protein Purifier is designed to help scientists learn about protein purification and apply that knowledge in a simulated, software-driven environment. Users can choose from a variety of chromatographic techniques including ion exchange and gel filtration to design purification protocols for 20 different protein samples using the company's ÄKTA system and UNICORN software.

Real-time simulation and "virtual professors” provide users with feedback on the results and efficiency of their chromatographic process. Users can also check their progress by carrying out electrophoretic and activity assays. The goal is to achieve maximal protein recovery in the fewest number of steps, keeping cost and time to a minimum.




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Amersham Biosciences