Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis System LPFGES-A10

A PFGE system is used to separate extremely large DNA molecules, often in the range of 50 kb to over 10 Mb, which are too large to resolve using standard agarose gel electrophoresis. This technique is essential in fields like molecular epidemiology, bacterial strain typing, and genome structure analysis. For example, it's commonly used in tracking outbreaks of foodborne pathogens such as E. coli or Salmonella. Labtron provides PFGE systems with robust gel units and programmable pulse controllers that allow precise manipulation of the electric field direction, enabling high-resolution separation of large DNA fragments necessary for complex molecular investigations.

PFGE differs fundamentally in the way it applies the electric field. While conventional electrophoresis uses a constant unidirectional field, PFGE applies a periodically switching field at different angles (usually 120°), allowing large DNA molecules to reorient themselves and snake through the gel. This method improves the resolution of DNA molecules that would otherwise migrate together. Labtron’s PFGE systems feature advanced pulse controllers that let users set parameters like pulse interval, switch angle, and voltage gradients, giving researchers full control over the separation process for a wide range of DNA sizes.

PFGE is most commonly used to analyze large genomic DNA, including chromosomal DNA from bacteria, yeast, fungi, or eukaryotic organisms. It is especially valuable for comparing bacterial strains during disease outbreak investigations and for genome mapping in molecular biology. Labtron’s systems are optimized to work with plug-embedded DNA, maintaining DNA integrity during the lysis and digestion steps. This approach ensures minimal shearing and supports high-fidelity results, which are essential in clinical diagnostics, food safety monitoring, and public health labs.

Safety is a key concern when working with PFGE systems due to the high voltage used and the common use of UV light and staining chemicals. Labtron incorporates multiple safety features into its systems, such as interlocking lids that prevent exposure to live currents, overload protection circuits, and automated shut-off functions in case of malfunctions. These ensure that the system can be operated safely in laboratory environments, even during prolonged runs. Additionally, optional blue-light imaging minimizes the use of UV exposure, promoting a safer workflow for users handling DNA visualization.

The most commonly used buffer in PFGE is 0.5X TBE (Tris-Borate-EDTA), which provides optimal ionic strength and buffering capacity to facilitate the smooth migration of large DNA fragments. The buffer also helps in maintaining a stable pH and reducing heat generation during long electrophoresis runs. The quality and composition of the buffer are crucial for maintaining DNA integrity and ensuring consistent migration. Labtron’s PFGE systems are designed with efficient buffer circulation and temperature control, which minimizes buffer degradation and helps maintain optimal electrophoresis conditions throughout extended runs, ensuring clear and reproducible band patterns.