Automation & robotics

Microarray pins

MicroSpot 2500 microarray spotting pins, available from BioRobotics (Cambridge, UK and Boston, MA), allow users to print microarrays faster and with less waste of valuable DNA. The stainless steel pins have a quill design with a fluid reservoir, which means that it is possible to dispense in excess of 80 spots onto coated glass slides from a single visit to the source microplate. MicroSpot 2500 pins can be used with a range of microarraying robots, including the MicroGrid and Total Array System from BioRobotics, as well as home-built systems. http://www.biorobotics.com 

Microdispenser accessory

The Hydra-PP from Robbins Scientific (Sunnyvale, CA) is a microdispenser equipped with an automated X-Y plate positioning system and automated syringe washing function. The plate positioning system is composed of a microscope stage that moves source and target plates under the dispensing head. With a positioning accuracy of five μm, the system can accurately and reproducibly position and dispense into all microplates, including deep well, 384 and 1536 well plates. The Hydra-PP can also be integrated with other robotic plate handling systems. http://www.robsci.com 

RNA purification

From Qiagen (Venlo, The Netherlands), the RNeasy 96 BioRobot Kit on the BioRobot 9604 provides reliable automated isolation of highest-quality RNA, ideal for high-throughput drug screening, research, and diagnostics. Ready-to-run protocols enable automated processing of up to 96 samples in only 75 minutes. Purification steps are streamlined and alcohol precipitation eliminated, resulting in reproducible, high yields of RNA. http://www.qiagen.com 

DNA extraction

Tecan's (Hombrechtikon, Switzerland) Robotic Sample Processors (RSPs) can be customized with a magnetic bead separation option to simplify DNA purification. Pipetting and washing can be automated using by the robotic liquid-handling arm, and after purification, DNA can be separated from the DNA-bead complex with releasing agent. If a higher temperature is needed, there is an available optional heating unit. As with all Tecan platforms, the RSP's modular configuration allows the addition of plate washers, incubators, and microplate readers. http://www.tecan.com 

Antibodies

Coactivator & corepressor Abs

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect the steroid receptor–associated proteins that enhance or depress gene transcription are now available from Affinity BioReagents (Golden, CO). These antibodies to SMRT, SRC-1, AIB1 (RAC3), RIP140, CBP, and p300 interact and alter the transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors such as retinoic acid receptors and thyroid hormone receptors. They are useful in Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunocytochemistry protocols. http://www.bioreagents.com 

Novel marker for apoptosis

Promega's (Madison, WI) Anti-PARP p85 Fragment polyclonal antibody is specific for the 85kDa fragment (p85) of human poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) resulting from caspase cleavage of the 116 kDa intact molecule. The specificity for the cleaved form of PARP makes this antibody a novel marker for early detection of apoptosis. The antibody is designed for use as an immunocytochemical/immunohistochemical marker for apoptosis in cells and tissues and can be used with standard fixatives and standard immunohistochemical procedures, providing a convenient and simple method of monitoring apoptosis in situ. http://www.promega.com 

Immunostaining system

The AIM (Antibody Impregnated Membrane) immunostaining system from The Binding Site (Birmingham, UK) involves the coating of affinity purified antisera onto specialized paper tabs that are moistened and simply laid on the tissue section to enable the antibody/antigen reaction to occur. Additional tabs are used to apply secondary antibody and to detect the complex. The system provides optimized, reproducible results—reducing reagent validation and preparation time, reducing waste, and providing standardized incubation times and easy methodology. http://www.bindingsite.co.uk