Automated Chloroform-Methanol Protein Extraction on the Biomek-FX Liquid Handler System

Yan Chen, Nurgul Kaplan Lease, Jennifer Gin, Tad Ogorzalek, Christopher J Petzold

Published: 2021-10-12 DOI: 10.17504/protocols.io.bpfqmjmw

Abstract

This protocol details steps to extract protein from Gram-negative bacterial or fungal cells (that have been pretreated with zymolyase) in quantitative proteomic workflows by using a Biomek FX liquid handler system. It is a semi-automated protocol that includes several 'pause' steps for centrifugation steps that are conducted manually "off-deck".

This protocol works best as part of an automated proteomic sample preparation workflow with:

Automated Protein Quantitation with the Biomek-FX liquid handler system

and

Automated Protein Normalization and Tryptic Digestion on a Biomek-NX Liquid Handler System

Before start

For this protocol you will need:

  • a Beckman-Coulter Biomek FX liquid handler system with a 96-pod head

  • Upload the attached method file and modify it to fit your deck and system configuration

Modular Protein Extraction method.bmf

  • an Eppendorf 5810R centrifuge with S-4-104 rotor or similar centrifuge

Steps

Deck Setup

1.

Open Biomek Software that controls Biomek-FX liquid handler system. Under "File" drop down click "Open" to select the automation method "Modular Protein Extraction method"

Note
Because different deck orientations and system components are possible, you will need to modify the method file (attached in the 'Before start' section) for your specific Biomek liquid handler system.

2.

Click on "Instrument Setup" under the "Setup" group node to get visual instruction of how to set up the deck.

3.

Set up the deck (refer to the deck setup picture below):

ABC
Deck LabelLabwareReagent
cells96-Well Deep Well Plate (Sigma Aldrich, Cat.#CLS3961-100EA)4 OD units of cells
protPCR96 plate (BIO-RAD, Cat.#HSP9601)
tips1-5200 uL pipet tips (Molecular Bioproducts BioRobotix, Cat.#919-262 )
water96 Deep Well Reagent Reservoir (VWR, Cat.#101100-962)LC-MS grade Water (VWR Scientific, Cat.#BJLC365-2.5)
solvent96 Deep Well Reagent Reservoir (VWR, Cat.#101100-962)4:1 Methanol:Chloroform LC-MS grade Methanol (VWR Scientific, Cat.#BJLC230-2.5), Chloroform (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat.#34854)
buffer96 Deep Well Reagent Reservoir (VWR, Cat.#101100-962)100 milimolar (mM) Ammonium Bicarbonate in 20% Methanol
MeOH96 Deep Well Reagent Reservoir (VWR, Cat.#101100-962)LC-MS grade Methanol (VWR Scientific, Cat.#BJLC230-2.5)

Materials for Deck setupNote: 1 OD unit = 1 ml of cell culture at OD600 measurement of 1.0

Deck Set up
Deck Set up

Labware for Deck setup
Labware for Deck setup
4.

Click the "Run" button (green arrow) to start.

Protein Extraction

5.

Transfer 87.5 µl water from water reservoir to cell plate. Mix and resuspend cell pellet on deck with user defined times.

6.

Transfer cell resuspension to PCR96 plate.

7.

The PAUSE step prompts you to centrifuge your plate.

8.

Centrifuge 2000x g,25°C .

9.

Put plate back on deck space (refer to deck setup picture above) -- PCR96 plate "prot." Swirl and pour solvent (4:1, Methanol:Chloroform) into reservoir.

Note
Note: It is important to swirl the Methanol:Chloroform mixture at this step to ensure it is well mixed.

10.

Remove supernatant by transferring 87 µl from PCR96 plate back to cell plate.

11.

Transfer 125 µl solvent (4:1, Methanol:Chloroform) to PCR96 plate. Mix and promote cell lysate on deck.

12.

Transfer 75 µl Water into PCR96 plate and mix on deck with user defined times.

13.

The PAUSE step prompts you to centrifuge your plate.

14.

Centrifuge 4000rpm,25°C

Note
Visualize your plate after centrifugation to ensure that protein forms a nice pellet layer in the middle. Add centrifugation time as needed.

15.

Put plate back on deck space (refer to deck setup picture above) -- PCR96 plate "prot."

16.

Remove supernatant by transferring 170 µl top layer from PCR96 plate to cell plate.

17.

Add 75 µl Methanol and mix on deck with user defined times.

18.

The PAUSE step prompts you to centrifuge your plate.

Note
Before you centrifuge, visualize your plate to make sure the chloroform layer has mixed well with added methanol.

19.

Centrifuge 4000rpm,25°C

20.

Put plate back on deck space (refer to deck setup picture above) -- PCR96 plate "prot."

21.

Remove supernatant.

22.

Resuspend in 100µL] 100millimolar (mM) and mix on deck with user defined times.

Note
Note: 1. Samples are typically cloudy in this step. After trypsin digestion they will be nearly clear. 2. In case of large protein pellets, mixing with multichannel pipette may be necessary.

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