The Protea Explorer
Integrated protein Sample preparation system



Protea is pleased to announce the introduction of the first fully-integrated protein sample preparation system that enables life science researchers to obtain higher quality information from their biological samples.  The Protea Explorer1 employs an enclosed system design, permitting a large menu of solution-based sample preparation applications, inherently reducing sample transfer losses and contamination due to handling.  All of the wetted parts of the Explorer system are composed of PEEK, thus greatly minimizing sample loss due to adsorption on surfaces.

Features of the Protea Explorer System:

  • Accepts either liquid or gel-based samples
  • In-line gel electroelution to extract intact proteins from SDS-PAGE gel spots
  • In-line MWCO protein filter permits concentration, purification, and desalting of protein samples
  • In-line SDS detergent removal with SDSawayTM reagent
  • Flow splitting and fraction collecting options
  • In-line enzymatic digestion of protein samples
  • Built-in C8 and C18 columns for chromatographic separation of peptides and proteins
  • Revolutionary ESI tip design for enhanced ionization in ESI mass spectrometry
  • User-friendly software provides standard control programs and custom methods development
  • Can be run independently on the benchtop to prepare samples by fraction collecting
  • Connects readily to any Thermo-Finnigan MS system
           (connections to other MS manufacturers available upon request)
  • Additional experiment platforms available to minimize user-to-user cross-contamination and carryover
  • Limitless possible configurations
  • Upgradable to all future applications, such as MALDI spotting, UV detection & CE

Experiment Platforms available with the Protea Explorer System

PE-400 Series
For the in-line collection, digestion, separation, and analysis of proteins from liquid samples.

  • Electrospray LC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis of peptides, proteins, and digest mixtures
  • Protein identifications and characterization by mass spectrometry
  • Direct infusion analysis of peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules
  • Chromatographic separation of peptides and proteins
  • Flow splitting and fraction collecting during sample preparation
  • Enzymatic digestion of protein samples

P-400 Direct Infusion micro-ESI platform                                                                                
P-450 Direct Infusion nano-ESI platform

Includes the following components:

1. Fraction collector                  3. C8/C18 columns
2. DIGESTor cartridge              4. etip electrospray tip

  • Experiment Platform
  • ESI tip for micro (PE-400) or nano-flow (PE-450) ESI-MS
  • ESI mount with variable angle adjustment
  • High voltage connection
  • Tubing kit for direct sample infusion (pre-connected)
  • Adapter bracket for Thermo Mass Spectrometer

Note:  The PE-400 Series Experiment Platform is available in both micro-flow (PE-400) and nano-flow (PE-450) configurations and is upgradable to the PE-600 series.


PE-600 Series, Complete System
For the in-line electroelution, fractionation, collection, digestion, separation, and analysis of proteins from liquid and gel samples.

For the following laboratory procedures

  • All of the functions and capabilities of the PE-400 Series PLUS
  • Gel electroelution and MS analysis of intact proteins from gels
  • In-line molecular weight fractionation of protein samples
  • In-line concentration, purification, and desalting of proteins from aqueous samples
  • Analysis of recombinant proteins
  • SDS detergent removal from protein samples
  • Protein separation and purification

PE-600  Electroelution experiment platform (micro-ESI)
PE-650  Electroelution experiment platform (nano-ESI)

Includes the following components:

1. Fraction collector                 4.  etip electrospray tip
2. DIGESTor cartridge             5. PILFer
3. C8/C18 columns                 6. GELutor

  • Experiment Platform
  • ESI tip for micro (PE-600) or nano-flow (PE-400)  ESI-MS
  • ESI mount with variable angle adjustment
  • High voltage connection
  • Tubing kit for gel electroelution to micro-ESI-MS or nano-ESI-MS (pre-connected)
  • Electroelution mount (PE-650 only)
  • Pilfer & Starter Kit (3k, 10k, 30k, 50k, 100k MWCO membrane filters 50 per)
  • Gelutor & Starter Kit (10 cutters, SDSaway and power cable)
  • Protein standard for testing and diagnostics
  • Software to allow electroelution capabilities

Note:  The PE-600 Series Experiment Platform is available in both micro-flow (PE-600) and nano-flow (PE-650) configurations.