May 1, 2015 (Vol. 35, No. 9)

URL:
http://apple.co/1JN0rmS

Rating:
Strong Points: Many different samples to purify, some introductory material
Weak Points: Not much guidance, users expected to have prior knowledge

Platform:
iPad

Cost:
$1.99

Summary:

The Protein Purification iPad app provides a practical, “hands-on” introduction to protein purification techniques such as ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and two-dimensional SDS PAGE by putting the app user in the position of a researcher who needs to purify a specific protein from a mixture. There are multiple mixtures from which to choose (varying in the number of protein components), and the app user selects which (anonymously numbered) protein to purify. From there, you’re on your own. You must choose which purification methods to try and how to go about implementing them. After each purification step, you are told how much protein and enzymatic activity you have remaining, as well as the enrichment and yield. The app includes introduction pages explaining each technique, but users are expected to have some basic understanding of the methods. The app is a great teaching tool to supplement what you may learn about these techniques from textbooks or lectures.

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