Q. What address do I ship my samples to at Eprogen for use in the Protein Discovery Laboratory?

A.Eprogen, Inc.
    Attn.: Dr. Timothy J. Barder
    8205 South Cass Ave., Suite 106
    Darien, IL 60561 USA
    630-963-1481


Q. How do I ship my samples to Eprogen for use in the Protein Discovery Laboratory?

A. Within the continental U.S., samples must be shipped on dry ice for overnight AM delivery. From Canada and the non-continental U.S., samples must be shipped for overnight AM delivery and with an adequate amount of dry ice to ensure sample preservation for a minimum of two days due to a possible delay in shipment because of customs inspections/other possible delays. From Europe, samples must be shipped for overnight AM delivery and with an adequate amount of dry ice to ensure sample preservation for a minimum of three days due to a possible delay in shipment because of customs inspections/other possible delays.

Shippers are responsible for adhering to both local and IATA (International Air Transport Association) shipping regulations.

To assist the customs service with shipments, Eprogen recommends including a letter with the samples for use in the Protein Discovery Laboratory that details the contents of the package. This letter should be written on the shipper's company letterhead, contain direct contact information and be affixed to the outside of the package in a see-through envelope. Wording such as the following is recommended: "Enclosed in this package is a non-hazardous, non-radioactive, non-biological, non-toxic sample for testing purposes. It has no commercial value and is not for resale. This shipment contains cell extracts from lysed (dead) cells."


Q. Will I receive some type of confirmation that Eprogen has received my samples in good condition?

A.Upon receipt of samples, Eprogen inspects them and fills out a receiving report, noting the condition of the sample, the amount of sample that was received, as well as any paperwork that was included with the sample. This receiving report is faxed to the customer. Please include contact name and fax number with your shipment.


Q. What is the time frame associated with this service?

A.Once your sample has been evaluated, we will inform you of the analysis completion time. Typical turnaround time is less than 2 weeks


Q. Since every type of sample is different, how do I know if ProteoSep is going to be successful in mapping the proteins in my sample? If it doesn't, will I be charged?

A. The first step in the protein mapping protocol using ProteoSep involves injecting a portion of the sample onto the 2D column to observe the detailed reversed phase elution profile for all the proteins in the sample. We look for a representative profile typical for your sample type. For example, a very "spikey or porcupine" looking chromatogram should be obtained for whole cell lysate samples. If the total protein content does not appear to be in the working range, further analysis does not occur and the customer incurs no charge. Eprogen will work closely with the customer to ensure that the sample can be successfully mapped.


Q. How do I prepare my sample before sending it to Eprogen for use in the Protein Discovery Laboratory?

A. Eprogen prefers the sample be sent lysed for fastest sample turnaround. Eprogen provides a standard Lysis protocol that will work virtually all samples. We don't recommend using SDS or higher MW sulfonated surfactants or buffers. Please call for technical assistance if you have any questions.


Q. What is the pricing for Eprogen's Protein Discovery Laboratory?

A. Eprogen offers many options to its customers for mapping of their proteins for further use using our Protein Discovery Laboratory. Please call to discuss these options and how we may specifically meet your needs. Please contact Dr. Timothy J. Barder at 630-963-1481 (tbarder@eprogen.com) should you have questions.


How many fractions, per dimension, can I receive?

A. For the first dimension, a typical run consists of 15 fractions over a pI range of 4.0-8.5 (fractions are collected every 0.3 pI units), along with a start buffer wash fraction (all proteins with a pI >8.5 will elute from the column during this wash step) and a salt wash fraction (all proteins with a pI <4.0 will elute from the column during this wash step) and an iPA wash fraction to collect all remaining hydrophobic species for a total of 18 fractions.

In the second dimension, fractions are typically collected typically every 20 seconds (250 µL/fraction) over the protein elution range. We produce 2 x 96 well plates per CF fraction for a total of 9 x 96 well plates for the sample. Eprogen will work with each client to determine an appropriate fraction collection scheme.

Q. How can I be assured that cross-contamination will not occur since Eprogen will be analyzing various samples by their Protein Discovery Laboratory?


A. Eprogen guarantees use of a new column per application for each individual client.