Automated system for two-dimensional electrophoresis

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of comparing the properties of a plurality of proteins which may be present in a plurality of samples, wherein: 
 a) each of said samples is reacted with a protein labeling reagent capable of being detected separately from labeling reagents used to label other samples to be compared;    b) said samples are combined and said proteins they contain are separated by one or more separations processes;    c) each of said labeling reagents is quantitatively measured at a plurality of points along said separation to yield a protein profile for each sample; and    d) said profiles are compared by a mathematical technique to estimate the likelihood that apparently co-separating proteins in different samples are identical.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein each sample to be combined is labeled with a fluorescent dye having a different emission spectrum.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said mathematical technique compares said profiles by correlation or by means sensitive to peak width, shape or position.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said likelihoods of protein identity provide a means of detecting non-identity that is more sensitive than the resolving power of said separations process to resolve two proteins in a single sample.