1. Principle of PFGE
Conventional gel electrophoresis can only separate relatively small DNA fragments (up to ~30–50 kb). The PFGE System overcomes this by applying an electric field that switches direction at set intervals (pulsed fields). Because large DNA molecules re-orient themselves slowly when the field changes direction, their migration depends on size. As a result, PFGE can separate DNA fragments from 50 kb up to several megabases with high resolution.
CHEF Mapper series PFGE systems
2. How It’s Applied in Outbreak Investigations (Epidemiology)
Step 1: Isolate DNA from bacterial cultures (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria).
Step 2: Digest DNA with rare-cutting restriction enzymes, creating a small number of very large DNA fragments.
Step 3: Run the digested DNA in PFGE. The resulting banding pattern acts like a “DNA fingerprint.”
Step 4: Compare fingerprints from patients, food, and environmental sources.
Outcome: If banding patterns match, investigators confirm the strains are genetically identical (same outbreak source).
Example: In multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks, PFGE linked contaminated meat samples with patient isolates, proving the foodborne source.
3. Food Safety & Quality Monitoring
PFGE is used in processing plants and food surveillance labs to detect persistent contamination.Identical PFGE fingerprints appearing in both product and environment show that a specific strain survives cleaning/disinfection. Corrective measures can then be implemented (changing sanitation procedures, equipment checks).
Example: PFGE identified recurring Listeria monocytogenes strains in food processing facilities, guiding hygiene improvements.
4. Clinical & Veterinary Diagnostics
Hospitals use PFGE to check whether infections in multiple patients are caused by the same bacterial clone. In veterinary science, PFGE separates strains of pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus in dairy cattle mastitis), helping understand disease spread.
5. Research Applications
PFGE provides genome-level resolution for studying bacterial population structure, genetic diversity, and long-term strain persistence.It remains the gold standard for microbial typing, even though sequencing technologies are emerging, because it is cost-effective, reproducible, and internationally standardized (e.g., PulseNet).
CHEF Mapper series PFGE systems are designed for the detection and separation of DNA molecules ranging from 100 bp to 10 Mb, delivering high resolution within this range. It is primarily used for genomic DNA separation and analysis, chromosomal DNA separation, large-fragment genomic library construction, identification, and analysis Transgenic research and Synthetic biology applications.
The electrophoresis tank is equipped two different gel casting devices, and the control system designed that outperforms all competing solutions in its class.Its semiconductor cooling with compact design and eco-friendly with high-precision temperature control. It can reach to the setting temperature 12℃ from 27 ℃ within 40 minutes.
If you have any questions about CHEF Mapper series PFGE systems, feel free to visit our website or contact our professional team. We are committed to providing you with the best solutions.
Beijing Liuyi Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Liuyi Biotechnology) has over 50 years of expertise in manufacturing electrophoresis instruments. With a dedicated technical team and R&D center, we provide reliable and comprehensive production, from design to inspection and warehousing. We offer a full range of products, including:
- Electrophoresis Cells (Tanks/Chambers)
- Electrophoresis Power Supplies
- Blue LED Transilluminators
- UV Transilluminators
- Gel Imaging & Analysis Systems
In addition, we supply other laboratory instruments such as PCR machines, vortex mixers, and centrifuges.
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Post time: Sep-17-2025