PROTEIN IDENTIFICATION BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Preparing and submitting samples for protein identification

Submitting samples contained in fresh or dry SDS-PAGE gel slices

Please download the sample submission form in PDF format here. 

Please send the completed form and a picture of the gel (with bands or spots of interest clearly marked) along with the samples. 

Gel slices can be shipped in 1.5 ml plain, non-lubricated Eppendorf tubes. Please remove any excess liquid from the tubes. The size of the gel slice should be no larger than 2x5 mm, or small enough to be covered completely by 50-60 ul of liquid.

Please make sure that the tubes are labeled and that the sample identification number or name on the tube matches the the number or name on the sample submission form.

Tubes containing gel slices can be mailed in a regular padded envelope without ice if shipped by overnight mail.

Submitting samples in solution

Please download the sample submission form in PDF format here.

If submitting protein samples in solution, please email us or call us at 913-522-7611 prior to sending the samples to discuss your project.

Protein solutions should not contain any detergents or denaturing agents. Please complete the buffer composition section of the sample submission form as accurately as possible. Protein solutions should be shipped with dry ice.

Sorry, we do not accept radioactive samples.

Minimizing keratin contamination

Unless the samples were prepared in a keratin-free environment, it is almost impossible to avoic keratin contamination, but it can be minimized by using the following precautions:

-Use reagents of good quality (low-grade SDS often contains large amounts of keratin).
-Pre-clean all equipment used for running and staining the gel to eliminate any dust.
-Handle the gel with gloves only.