LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES
Produced by the Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office
NEW PRODUCTS: AUTOMATED SAMPLE PREPARATION
Bioprocess Analysis Kits
Protein Extraction System
The Spot Hunter is a robotic system
that is integrated with a fluorescence
detection unit for the automatic extraction of selected protein spots after 2D
electrophoresis. This new generation
of proteomic workstation offers greater
flexibility than other systems, improved
accuracy, and reliability all within a minimal footprint. The Spot Hunter operates
in three essential stages: First, an image
is captured of the stained 2D gels using
an application-specific, high-resolution
charge-coupled device (CCD) camera.
Next, the easy4 science software detects
all protein spots and creates a target list,
which it transfers to the picking unit. Finally, the selected spots are automatically
extracted under contamination-free conditions and then transported into a standard microtiter plate. The high-throughput version can do this with up to four
plates. The whole process conforms to
good laboratory practice with the ability
to enable exact backtracking to any spot.
Three sizes are available including a
high-throughput model for gels up to 340
mm × 290 mm.
HeroLab
For info: +49-(0)-6222-5802-0
www.herolab.com
Automated Microcomputed
Tomography
NGS Platform
Two next-generation sequencing (NGS)
systems deliver a comprehensive solution that simplifies targeted sequencing.
Built upon the proven capabilities of Ion
Torrent technology, the new Ion S5 and
Ion S5 XL benchtop systems provide
scientists with rapid, cost-effective, and
flexible platforms that can be scaled for
all research areas. These systems combine the ability to sequence gene panels
and small genomes, as well as exomes,
transcriptomes, and even custom assays
on a single platform. The platforms are
designed with “plug-and-play” cartridgebased reagents to make setting up and
operating the sequencers easy and efficient. With reduced hands-on time and
streamlined workflow, the Ion S5 and Ion
S5 XL systems make targeted sequencing more accessible. The new systems
require just 15 minutes of manual setup
time per sequencing run and less than
45 minutes of hands-on work from DNA
to data when using the Ion Chef System
for automated Ion AmpliSeq library construction, template preparation, and chip
loading.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
For info: 800-955-6288
www.thermofisher.com/ions5
The SkyScan 1275 is a highly automated,
self-optimizing desktop X-ray microtomograph. The system takes advantage
of new X-ray source technology and
efficient flat-panel detectors to reduce
scan time to just a few minutes without compromising image quality. The
SkyScan 1275 software features 2D/3D
image analysis, as well as a realistic 3D
visualization that employs recent developments in reconstruction algorithms,
accelerated by powerful new graphics cards, to give an additional gain in
performance and speed. The outcome
is the rapid and realistic visualization of results by volume rendering. Push-button operation with a preselected sequence of actions,
including scanning, reconstruction, and volume rendering means
that even routine users can successfully obtain high-quality results
with the SkyScan 1275. The SkyScan 1275 has an object size range
up to 96 mm in diameter and 120 mm in length. Optional stages for
micropositioning and material testing allow scanning of a sample
under a variety of conditions.
Bruker Corporation
For info: +32-3-877-5705
www.bruker.com/skyscan1275
A series of new kits comprising Gyrolab
CHO-HCP Kits 2–5 and two Gyrolab Human IgG Titer Kits have been designed
for analysis in bioprocess workflows.
Combined with the automation and high
throughput of Gyrolab systems, these
kits facilitate increased productivity in
process development and release testing. The four new Gyrolab CHO-HCP
Kits 2–5 quantify host cell proteins
(HCPs) from Chinese hamster ovary
(CHO) cells used in bioprocessing of
biotherapeutics. The kits have broad
dynamic range and show low intra- and
interassay variation. The new Gyrolab
huIgG Kits for determination of human
immunoglobin G (IgG) come in two
configurations, high titer and low titer,
and have been developed to accurately
and robustly quantify intact human IgG
during cell line development. With broad
dynamic ranges of three to four logs for
each kit, determination is enabled from 1
ng/ml up to 1 mg/ml IgG concentrations.
Reliable methods to determine IgG titer
are essential to ensure efficient process
development.
Gyros
For info: +46-(0)-18-56-63-00
www.gyros.com
Automated DNA Preparation
The ThruPLEX Plasma-seq kit, which
prepares DNA libraries for the analysis
of cell-free DNA circulating in plasma, is
now automated on Beckman Coulter’s
Biomek FXP Laboratory Automation
Workstation. ThruPLEX Plasma-seq’s
single-tube workflow is easily transferred
to the Biomek FXP Workstation to enable
high-throughput automated preparation
of Illumina next-generation sequencing
(NGS) libraries of cell-free DNA for liquid
biopsies. The Biomek FXP Workstation, a proven tool for automated NGS
sample prep, enables higher throughput
and efficiency for processing these
precious samples at even the lowest input amounts. The ready-torun method creates up to 96 dual-barcoded libraries in about 3.5
hours—libraries that are compatible with Illumina NGS platforms.
Automating ThruPLEX Plasma-seq reduces costly handling errors
and potential sample loss while increasing reproducibility and,
therefore, user confidence in sample quality. ThruPLEX Plasma-seq
produces highly reproducible NGS libraries from less than 1 ng up
to 30 ng of cell-free DNA in plasma.
Rubicon Genomics
For info: 734-677-4845
www.rubicongenomics.com
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information.
Newly offered instrumentation, apparatus, and laboratory materials of interest to researchers in all disciplines in academic, industrial, and governmental organizations are featured in this space. Emphasis is given to purpose, chief characteristics, and availability of products and materials. Endorsement by Science or AAAS of any products or materials mentioned is not implied. Additional information may be obtained from the manufacturer or
supplier.
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