Description

This report explores the issues faced by life scientists when visualizing proteins and specifically examines the products and technologies used in protein staining and/or labeling, detecting and imaging. While protein staining techniques are becoming faster, easier and more sensitive through chemiluminiscence, fluorescence and chemifluorescence, traditional reagents such as Coomassie blue and silver stains are still regularly used by researchers for certain applications. An overview of these products and researcher preferences is provided in this report. After staining and/or labeling, there are several options for imaging proteins on gels or membranes, including scanning densitometers, charge-coupled device cameras, scanning laser fluorescence detectors, storage phosphor systems and/or video-camera based systems. Because this instrumentation is becoming more and more integrated, complete protein imaging systems have emerged. However, researcher needs for these imaging systems are diverse and reflect a wide range of different scientific objectives. The report will assist marketing professionals and product developers in understanding their target market's techniques, product preferences, preferred suppliers, level of satisfaction with the current technologies, definitions of quality and unmet needs in protein visualization. The final report is based on the opinions of a worldwide panel of research scientists. It provides you with the answers needed to better serve the protein science market and is available at a fraction of what it would cost to conduct a custom study similar in size and scope. Protein Visualization is the fourth installment in our series-which details all aspects of protein research-and focuses specifically on the products and techniques used to stain and/or label, detect and image proteins. As researchers' expectations for obtaining high-quality imaging data have increased, the tools and techniques of protein science research have evolved to allow for the development of more powerful instrumentation capable of increased sensitivity and finer resolution. Improvements to traditional imaging methods are also allowing for detection of proteins in low or trace amounts and the more accurate quantification of proteins. Companies that hope to be successful in developing and marketing cutting-edge protein visualization technologies must understand the challenges that protein scientists face today in their research. Report Highlights More than 500 researchers engaged in protein visualization participated in this survey between October 3 and November 28, 2001. The report details findings for each and every question in the survey. Below is a glimpse of some of the findings derived from different questions: • Protein researchers indicate that they predominantly use a scanning densitometer to image one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels (PAGE), while they use a video camera-based system to image one-dimensional agarose gels. • One-dimensional PAGE is by far the most popular technique for performing qualitative evaluations, quantitative measurements and obtaining publication-quality figures. • The number one factor that would influence a respondent's lab to purchase either of these imaging systems over the other is "high image resolution." • Colorimetric stains appear to be the top choice among respondents performing protein analysis/characterization, identification and purification procedures. • Respondents use different types of stains and labels depending upon the procedure they perform, however, the primary reason they select one particular stain or label is its "ability to detect low quantities of proteins." (Electronic copy also includes 1 print copy)

Table of Contents

Section 1 Executive Overview and Introduction -Executive Overview -Key Findings -Introduction -Staining & Labeling -Imaging Systems -Protein Detection Assays -Future Technologies Section 2 Study Methodology and Demographics -Study Methodology -Objectives -Comments -Demographics -Market Segment -Organization Size -Laboratory Size -Region -Job Position -Area(s) of Research Section 3 Significant Findings -Protein Imaging Systems -Current and future protein imaging system use -Location of imaging systems -Equipment used for the visualization and documentation of protein research results -Imaging technologies used for specific techniques -Imaging applications used for protein-based techniques -Number of imaging applications performed per month -Image resolution used -Computer operating system that runs most frequently used imaging system software -Most important factors in deciding to purchase one type of imaging system over another Protein Staining & Labeling -Protein staining and/or labeling techniques used for detecting total protein on gels/membranes -Stains used for visualizing total protein on gels/membranes -Radioactive and/or non-radioactive labels used in protein research -Number of gels/membranes typically stained for total protein per month -Staining/labeling techniques used for the detection of specific proteins on gels/membranes -Number of gels/membranes stained for specific proteins/protein subsets per month -Reversible staining techniques used -Applications that use reversible staining -Staining/labeling techniques used for specific protein applications -Staining/labeling techniques used for specific types of gels/membranes -Most important factors in deciding to purchase one protein stain/label over another Protein Detection Assays -Detection methods used -Types of instrumentation used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and/or their enzymatic/biological activities -Types of peptide/protein probes used -Other types of probes used -Number of enzymatic assays performed per month -Number of samples typically evaluated per enzymatic assay -Number of ELISA assays typically performed per month -Types of sample plates used -Methodologies/assays used when detecting and quantifying peptides and proteins in solutions -Kit and/or pre-formulated stock reagents used for protein concentration assays -Number of protein concentration assays typically performed per month Technologies & Suppliers -Top-of-mind company for products for protein visualization -Estimated percentage of total annual budget for products/services dedicated to protein visualization -Familiarity with suppliers of products and services for protein staining and/or labeling reagents -Familiarity with suppliers of protein imaging systems Section 4 Presentation of Survey Data -Over 65 pages of detailed tables, full-color analytical charts and graphs highlighting the responses and findings for each of the 36 questions in the survey instrument. Section 5 Cross Tabulations of Survey Data -Over 40 questions or answer choices tabulated against Market Segment, Geographic Region, Area of Research or other relevant questions. Section 6 Appendix -Related Reports -About BioInformatics -Our Valued Clients