New Advances in Proteomics

Technological advances in chemical analysis are driving new biological discoveries. This is the motivation behind Dr. Alan Doucette’s research. As an analytical chemist, working in the field of proteomics (that is to say the large scale characterization of proteins from biological systems), Alan's lab has developed a protein separation platform (the GELFrEE system) which greatly facilitates proteome analysis. (1,2)

But what good is an improved technology if it cannot be brought to the researchers who could benefit from it? This is why Dr. Doucette brought his idea to Dalhousie’s Industry Liason and Innovation (ILI) office. Through ILI, a commercial partner was identified and through this company, a marketable product quickly became reality.

The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System is now available through Protein Discovery Inc. (http://www.proteindiscovery.com/). In only a few months since the product launch, GELFrEE has already made its way several research labs across North America.

1. J.C. Tran & A.A. Doucette; Gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis: An electrophoretic method for broad molecular weight range proteome separation. Anal. Chem. 2008, 80, 1568-1573.

2. J.C. Tran & A.A. Doucette; Multiplexed size separation of intact proteins in solution phase for mass spectrometry. Anal. Chem. 2009, 81, 6201 - 6209.