The purpose of the purchase is to upgrade the Density Gradient Fractionation System used to analyze polysome profiles and protein translation in the Lab of Genetics. The system produces a continuous absorbance profile as the gradient is displaced form the bottom up via a syringe pump and tube piercing system, then collected in precisely measured fractions. The system includes the tube piercing system, syringe pump, UA-6 detector with 254 and 280nm filters, fraction collector, density gradient flow cell, cables and tubing. The data acquisition software captures the real time data, and records the traces to be saved and analyzed digitally.

The currently utilized fractionation system was purchased in 2001. The data acquisition is direct recording onto paper, so if the recording device malfunctions or breaks, the sample profile is not recorded. Since the original purchase, the data acquisition software has become available, but this software requires upgrades to the original fractionation system. As the system is so widely used for NIA research analyses, both directly and through collaborative efforts, an upgraded fractionation system with digital data capture software will be much more efficient and productive for the institute.

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