• Automatically picks selected protein spots from stained or destained gels, with greater than 99.9% efficiency.
• Designed for use with backed and nonbacked gels.
• Compatible with common detection systems and scanners.
• Seamless integration with DeCyder™ 2-D Differential Analysis Software.

Ettan™ Spot Picker is a robotic system designed to accurately pick protein spots from 2-D gels, and transfer the picked proteins into microplate wells in preparation for further analyses, such as digestion and protein identification by MALDI mass spectrometry.

Polyacrylamide 2-D gels stained with common detection stains, such as silver, Coomassie™ or fluorescent dyes are scanned, and data can be analyzed using ImageMaster™ 2D Platinum Software or DeCyder 2-D Differential Analysis Software. A protein picklist is generated, either automatically using predefined selection criteria, or manually. The protein picklist is transferred to Ettan Spot Picker, which then automatically picks the protein spots according to the list. Attaching self-adhesive reference markers to the gel backing prior to scanning the gel ensures a precise link between electronic image and actual gel.

A wash step is performed after each picking session, and the location of each picked protein in its respective microplate well is automatically logged to facilitate sample tracking.

When picking a limited number of protein spots, or for pooling of samples, the software also includes a “click-and-pick” function whereby proteins can be picked without an ImageMaster-generated picklist.

Ettan Spot Picker is compatible with large-format DALT precast gels, self-cast gels, and nonbacked gels. Gels cast on backing provide stable gel dimensions during spot picking. During the picking process, gels are covered by liquid to eliminate gel drying. Nonbacked gels are also easily handled using the Ettan Spot Picker Nonbacked Gel Kit.

Ettan Spot Picker is supplied with 1.4-mm and 2.0-mm picker heads, reference markers, gel holders, gel tray, and microplate racks. A Protective Hood, which minimizes risk of gel contamination, is optional.