Description
Protein Sequencer for Laboratories
The PPSQ series instruments use automatic Edman degradation of proteins and peptides in combination with HPLC separation and highly sensitive detection of reaction products. Combined with powerful data analysis software, they provide fast, accurate, and reliable determination of amino acid sequences. The models differ in the number of reactors: one reactor (PPSQ-51A) or three reactors (PPSQ-53A).
Principle of Operation
The protein sequencer is designed to determine the sequence of amino acids from the N-terminus up to 50–60 residues. The process is based on the Edman reaction — one of the earliest methods for determining the primary sequence of peptides. The peptide is treated with a specific set of reagents, resulting in the cleavage of one amino acid from the N-terminus as its phenylthiohydantoin derivative. Identification of these derivatives is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Despite being time-consuming and labor-intensive, the Edman sequencing method remains in use due to its reliability, reproducibility, and the unambiguous nature of the results obtained.
