Experion From Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad’s Experion is an automated gel electrophoresis system for analysis of RNA, DNA and protein samples using patented Lab-On-Chip technology from Caliper Life Sciences. This versatile instrument is suited for laboratories that need to analyze the quantity and quality of samples without sacrificing large amounts of sample. The complete package includes the main instrument, chip priming station, vortexer, and Windows-based software for instrument control and data analyses. One training session is included in the purchase and supplemented by a wealth of information on Bio-Rad’s website, including demonstration videos.

Two different types of RNA chips (high sensitivity and standard sensitivity) are designed for analyses of mRNA or total RNA in order to determine integrity and concentration prior to downstream applications, such as qRT-PCR or microarrays. By offering a fast turn-around alternative for denaturing agarose gels, Experion RNA chips reduce exposure to hazardous formaldehyde and ethidium bromide, decrease the amount of sample needed for analyses and provide a reliable system for documentation of results. Similarly, DNA chips can be used instead of agarose gels for analyses of DNA samples, such as plasmids, long oligonucleotides, PCR products or restriction digests. Finally, protein chips could be used to evaluate integrity, purity and concentration of purified protein samples or lysates, thereby offering an alternative to SDS-PAGE. All chips are disposable and sold separately or within kits, which include buffers, dyes and molecular weight markers. Compared to Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100, the industry standard for Lab-On-Chip systems, Experion is more affordable and more end-user oriented, which makes it an ideal choice for an individual laboratory or a small core facility.

I have been using Experion primarily for quality control of total RNA samples prior to qRT-PCR. In addition, I have been using the Experion RNA chips for quality control of in vitro transcription reactions. Each assay allows for analysis of up to 12 samples within 1 h with only about 30 min “hands-on” time. The results are presented as a virtual gel and a table with values for RNA concentration and 28S/18S ratio, when applicable, as a measure of RNA integrity. The latter value serves as a checkpoint prior to qRT-PCR assays and gives me confidence in the subsequent results. Particularly, I would recommend using Experion RNA assays for samples obtained from in vivo experiments or in vitro experiments involving inhibitors that may affect RNA integrity, for samples that were stored for extended period of time or went through a freeze/thaw cycle, or any samples that would be subjected to multiple qRT-PCR reactions or microarray analyses. In the beginning, I had a mixed experience with the system due to a defective vortexer. However, once the vortexer was replaced (under warranty), I found the system worth the investment. The only complaint I have is that Bio-Rad is not transparent on the design and specifications of the system and does not seem to support user’s initiated novel applications of the system.