This handbook is intended to provide guidelines for performing high-resolution two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis.

It is divided into seven chapters:

1. Provides guidelines for sample preparation and protein quantitation
2. Details procedures for performing the first dimension of 2-D electrophoresis, highlighting use of Ettan™ IPGphor™ II Isoelectric Focusing System.
3. Contains general directions for subsequent second-dimension electrophoresis of immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips using various vertical gel electrophoresis systems.
4. Describes use of the flatbed Multiphor™ II Electrophoresis System for both first- and second-dimension electrophoresis.
5. Discusses visualization and analysis of 2-D electrophoresis results.
6. Describes the advantages and use of the technique of 2-D Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2-D DIGE).
7. Describes common problems in 2-D gel electrophoresis and their remedies. Technique-specific troubleshooting guides are included in the relevant chapters.