Latest news from Syngene

Imaging DNA and protein gels

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Syngene introduces the G:BOX F3, a new gel imaging system, designed for scientists that want a rapid, versatile method of automatically imaging and analysing DNA, RNA and proteins in gels.

The G:BOX F3 features a high-resolution 3.8 million pixel CCD camera with a motor driven lens and built in filter wheel contained in a compact darkroom. This automated system is controlled by Syngene’s intuitive GeneSys imaging software. The software saves time and effort by automatically setting up the optimum lighting and filters from its unique database of imaging conditions for every commercially available DNA, RNA and protein dye. Users can in one screen touch, choose their preferred imaging conditions and the G:BOX F3 will automatically capture a high-quality gel image.

Inside the G:BOX F3 system’s safe, light tight cabinet there is overhead Epi white light. Epi UV light, a UV transilluminator and visible light converter options can also be fitted. For laboratories where safety and UV sample damage are an issue, Syngene offers an UltraBright LED blue light transilluminator, which slides out of the darkroom to aid viewing and band cutting. Additionally, this transilluminator can be fitted with an optional visible light converter screen for viewing protein gels.

The G:BOX F3 system also includes unlimited copies of GeneTools image analysis software to enable each researcher in the laboratory to use their own computer to rapidly generate quantitative analysis of their protein and DNA gels in seconds.

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager stated: “The G:BOX F3 is a well priced system that is suited to busy labs where researchers are working with a range of different gels. It is ideal for experienced users and novices alike as they only have to know what type of gel they have run and what it is stained with, and the system will select and set up the right imaging conditions for them. Since the technology is so versatile, this makes the G:BOX F3 system the best, budget, automated gel imaging technology currently on the market.”

Electrophoresis

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Syngene is delighted to announce its InGenius gel imaging system is being used by scientists at the University of Glasgow to determine the types of microorganisms associated with Crohn's Disease and Coeliac Disease.

Researchers in the School of Medicine at the University of Glasgow are using a Syngene InGenius gel doc system to visualise microbial DNA stained with SYBR® Green on Temporal Temperature Gradient Electrophoresis polyacrylamide gels. The information obtained is being used to determine which microflora are associated with Crohn's Disease and Coeliac Disease in children and could help to determine the most effective methods to treat and control these conditions.

Dr Konstantinos Gerasimidis, Lecturer in Clinical Nutrition at the School of Medicine, University of Glasgow commented: “We are looking for microbes in children suffering with digestive diseases and are trying to determine those most prevalent in their colonic samples. For that we use a variety of molecular microbiology techniques such as Temporal Temperature Gradient Electrophoresis Gels stained with SYBR Green Nucleic Acids Staining. We prefer to use SYBR Green for visualising the DNA, rather than Ethidium bromide because it is significantly more sensitive and less toxic.”

Dr Gerasimidis continued: “We decided to upgrade our gel doc to an InGenius system because we have found it is more sensitive than other imagers we looked at in the same price range. We can easily visualise our DNA so we’re pleased we chose an InGenius.”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager, concluded: “Establishing the potential causes of chronic digestive diseases is critical research and we are excited to hear that the InGenius is playing a part in this. The results researchers at University of Glasgow are obtaining, demonstrate to molecular biologists looking for an inexpensive system to safely and accurately image their DNA, that all they need is an InGenius.”

Gel doc system

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Syngene is pleased to introduce its new InGenius3, feature-packed gel imaging system. Designed with a compact darkroom, as well as blue, white and UV lighting options, InGenius3 offers maximum gel imaging versatility at an affordable price.

The InGenius3 features a high-resolution 3 million pixel CCD camera that can be connected to the laboratory’s choice of PC. The system is controlled by Syngene’s intuitive GeneSys imaging software, which guides scientists to the correct combination of filters and lighting, making it easy to set up InGenius3 to produce high quality gel images every time.

The InGenius3 system comes with overhead Epi white light and offers multiple illumination options. These include the new Ultra-Slim LED Blue Light Transilluminator, which is ideal for laboratories where safety and UV sample damage are a major concern. The transilluminator slides out of the darkroom to aid viewing and cutting gel bands, and there is a White Light Converter screen option for scientists wanting to view protein gels.

The InGenius3 system has manual control functionality, enabling users to easily change lighting conditions, camera aperture, zoom and focus, and quickly switch between filters using a filter drawer. The system also includes GeneTools image analysis software to enable scientists to rapidly analyse their gel images.

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager stated: “To continue Syngene’s theme of easy imaging, the new InGenius3 is the ideal economical choice when budget and size are the most important considerations, but high resolution imaging is also a priority.”

Laura concluded, “This is why we are pleased to introduce our InGenius3 Gel Documentation system. The system is specifically designed for viewing gels in laboratories where bench space is limited, yet doesn’t compromise on performance, which means capturing great gel images every time has never been easier.”

Gel imaging system

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Syngene has today introduced its U:Genius3, complete budget gel imaging system. This compact system with its button driven key pad is simple to set up, making it ideal for busy laboratories that need rapid and accurate gel imaging.

The U:Genius3 comes with a sensitive 3 million pixel CCD camera inside a compact darkroom. The cost-effective system includes overhead Epi white light and is versatile, offering multiple illumination options to allow high-resolution imaging of 1D DNA and protein gels stained with a range of dyes.

The U:Genius3 features a built in processor and simple to use intuitive “button controlled” integral key pad so can be used straight from the box. The system can be fitted with the new Ultra-Slim LED Blue Light Transilluminator in laboratories where safety and UV sample damage are issues. The transilluminator slides out of the darkroom to aid viewing and band cutting, and there is also a white light converter screen option available for scientists wanting to view protein gels, thus maximising the use of vital laboratory space.

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager explained: “Many researchers in busy laboratories often just want a quick, accurate image of their gels, so they need an inexpensive press button system which takes seconds to set up.”

Laura added: “We have listened to those requests and the result is the U:Genius3. We’re confident that scientists who try the U:Genius3 will agree the system is ideal where budget and space are limited, but doesn’t compromise on generating superb results with outstanding resolution, making U:Genius3 the most cost-effective gel doc currently available.”

Chemiluminescence imaging system

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Syngene is delighted to announce its GeneGnome chemiluminescence imaging system has been used by scientists at the UK’s University of Cambridge for seven years to help understand how proteins in cell signalling are expressed.

Researchers in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge are using a GeneGnome dedicated chemiluminescence imager to analyse proteins on Western blots stained with SuperSignal or ECL™. The information from the blots is helping to determine how the receptor proteins are regulated and its aim is to lead to a better understanding of the role of receptor proteins in aspects of cellular activity as varied as programmed cell death and muscle contraction.

Dr Emily Taylor, Laboratory Manager in the Department of Pharmacology commented: “We have had the GeneGnome for seven years and we chose to install this system because we knew Syngene had a good reputation for service. Since the GeneGnome only does one thing, it is easy to operate and even when you have different sized blots, it will automatically focus the blot image for you. We have detected large membrane proteins of 260 KDa and visualised nanogram amounts of protein, so it has plenty of sensitivity for our work.”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager, added: “We are delighted to see our GeneGnome contributing to an understanding of protein expression in cell signalling. Having scientists at a top pharmacology department use our GeneGnome so regularly for seven years is a testament to the system’s robust, reliable performance.”