Detecting Proteins
It's a SNAP

The precision with which proteins carry out life functions lies in the timing and spatial organization of protein expression. Biologists use two laborious techniques, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC), to determine which proteins are expressed, when, and where.

Merck’s novel SNAP i.d.® 2.0 Protein Detection System can streamline the immunodetection reagent application phases of both Western blotting and IHC using a controlled vacuum force that removes solutions evenly – in seconds.

Listen to Steven Thibault, principal scientist at Amgen, describe how the SNAP i.d.® 2.0 system has improved his protein detection protocol over traditional Western blotting methods.

“We’re able to complete more experiments in a day.”

Dr. Thibault leads the structural biology expression and purification team at Amgen, and is constantly challenged by the need to rapidly optimize the production of large quantities of biologically active proteins. Over the years, he has converted his entire team to using SNAP i.d.® systems for their experiments and accordingly, has experienced faster throughput.

“With the SNAP i.d.® system, we can go from blocking to detection in 30 minutes or less.”

The Issue with Tissues?

After years of delighting researchers performing Western blots, the SNAP i.d.® 2.0 system is poised to enhance protein localization studies that use immunohistochemistry (IHC). Users can block, probe, wash and stain up to 24 slides at once with reagents contacting tissue sections in self-contained reservoirs.

Unlike traditional methods involving dipping, pouring and tedious wash steps, the SNAP i.d.® 2.0 system enables solutions to be removed via vacuum, so that removal is likely to be more thorough than that achievable via pouring or pipetting. Reduced handling time and a multiple-sample capability make this system ideal for antibody and protocol optimization. Best of all, SNAP i.d.® 2.0 users can easily recover and reuse antibodies as many as six times without decrease in performance.

• Click here to learn how you can detect proteins in a SNAP.