Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of the fluorescent label 2-aminoacridone for use in separating carbohydrate mixtures and analyzing the structure of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates for analysis may be labeled by 2-aminoacridone and subsequently separated from one another by electrophoresis. The electrophoresis may be in one or two dimensions. Band produced by the electrophoresis may be visualized and quantitated directly by UV illumination or by means of a charge coupled device for photoelectric detection. 2-aminoacridone labelling of carbohydrate may also be used to analyze the structure of carbohydrates by cleaving (or adding to) various 2-aminoacridone labeled carbohydrates by carbohydrate modifying enzymes of known specificity, and subsequently separating the carbohydrates by electrophoresis in either one or two dimensions. The subject invention also provides for kits for performing 2-aminoacridone labelling and electrophoresis.

Abstract: A method of separating or distinguishing proteins by isoelectric focusing (IEF), comprises fluorescently labelling proteins by reacting monobromobimane or monochlorobimane with free sylphydryl groups of proteins, and subjecting the labelled proteins to isoelectric focusing. The IEF may be followed by a second electrophoretic separation step, resulting in 2-D electrophoresis of flourescently pre-labelled proteins in a way that has not hitherto been possible.

Abstract: Light from the pattern of spots of bands resulting from electrophoresis is detected by a two-dimensional charge coupled device, visualization of the spots or band being achieved by irradiating the gel with a U/V source to stimulate fluorescent markers preferably applied before running of the gel. The charge coupled device is cooled to suppress thermal dark current and, more particularly, to improve sensitivity and dynamic range.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for imaging light opaque specimens wherein a secondary source (16) is stimulated by radiation (x-rays or high energy electrons or neutrons) transmitted through the specimen (12) and visible light emitted by the secondary source (without amplification) is detected by a cooled slow scan CCD (26, 28) coupled to the secondary source by a lens (20) and shutter (22).