1. iFOCUS: A tablet-sized device
for the IEF of proteins and
peptides for clinical and basic
research applications
Why IEF?
Immobilized pH gradients (IPGs) are stable and highly
reproducible pH gradients for the isoelectric focusing
(IEF) of proteins. IPGs are capable of separating protein
charge isoforms differing by 0.001 pI units, a resolution an
order of magnitude higher than labile carrier ampholyte
generated pH gradients, which can resolve differences
of only 0.01 pI units [1]. IPGs spanning 0.1 pH units have
been described for the separation of proteins differing
by a single amino acid substitution [2].
iFOCUS™ and SYNAPSE™ Technologies
Conventional IEF devices are microprocessor controlled
and utilize Peltier cooling systems, both of which
significantly contribute to the cost of the instrument,
but do not contribute to IEF performance. The iFOCUS
is an IEF device with a footprint nearly identical to an
Apple iPad. Elimination of unnecessary features such
as Peltier cooling, microprocessors, and integrated
power supplies dramatically reduces cost and makes
the iFOCUS small size possible without compromising
performance or capability.
• Versatile high performance IEF at low price.
• One‐fourth the cost of competing devices.
• Small footprint. (About the size of an Apple iPad)
• Advanced safety circuitry of the SYNAPSE controls
high voltage to the iFOCUS via separate feedback
loops that use dedicated and well‐isolated high and
low voltage circuits.
• Rapid IEF in less than 12 kVh for most samples.
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Figure 1. Patent pending iFOCUS™ (left) with the SYNAPSE™
advanced safety circuitry (right). The iFOCUS can run either 7
or 11 cm IPGs.
iFOCUS
Foolproof Protocols and Kit Reagents
iFOCUS protocols are the culmination of over three
decades of experience in protein sample preparation, IEF,
and two-dimensional electrophoresis. Focus Proteomics
provides optimized protocols and kit reagents.
iFOCUS is about one-­fourth the cost of
competing IEF instruments.
iFOCUS protocols are the culmination of
over three decades of experience...
iFOCUS ideal for small clinical laboratories
needing to provide specialized testing.

2. References
1. Hamdan M., Righetti, P.G. (2005). Proteomics today: Protein assessment and biomarkers using mass
spectrometry, 2D electrophoresis, and microarray technology. Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, pp 219-­265.
2. Cossu, G., Righetti, P.G. (1987). Journal of Chromatography A: Resolution of Gγ and Aγ fetal
hemoglobin tetramers in immobilized pH gradients. J. Chromatogr. 398 (1987) 211-­216.
3. Smejkal GB (2004). The Coomassie Chronicles: Past Present, and Future Perspectives in
Polyacrylamide Gel Staining. Expert Rev. Proteomics 1, 381-387.
Figure 2. Two dimensional gel
electrophoresis of Escherichia
coli K12 cell lysates isolates over
1,100 proteins over the pH 4-7
range.
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Focus Proteomics
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Exploring the subliminal proteome
Clinical Applications
IEF enables unrivaled separation of hemoglobin and transferrin isoforms used in
clinical diagnosis. Over 1,000 hemoglobin variants have been described. IEF in the
iFOCUS using IPGs instead of carrier ampholytes and optimized kit chemistries
provides the highest resolution and reproducibility necessary for diagnostic
accuracy.
Basic Research Applications
IEF can differentiate post-translation modifications of intact proteins such as
phosphorylation that SDS PAGE or LC-MS cannot. IEF is capable of resolving
thousands of proteins and this number of proteins is nearly squared when
IEF is coupled to an orthogonal second dimension such as two-dimensional
electrophoresis [3].
Economical high throughput IEF
The iFOCUS is about one-fourth the cost of IEF instruments from BioRad and
Agilent. Four iFOCUS systems can run 48 IPGs of varying pH gradients and lengths.
Special academic pricing makes the iFOCUS affordable to small universities,
colleges, and teaching laboratories. The small footprint makes the iFOCUS ideal
for small clinical laboratories needing to provide specialized testing.
Custom 6000V Power Supply
iFOCUS and SYNAPSE sold separately or
as a complete system with the new Focus
Proteomics 6000V Power Supply.
Contact: Focus Proteomics, LLC
32 Overlook Circle
Hudson, NH 03051
Phone: (603) 204-4947
Email: info@focusproteomics.com
www.focusproteomics.com
Proteomics 6000V Power Supply