Key tool will aid goal of establishing an industrial-scale
biomarker validation facility
PHOENIX, Ariz. - June 23, 2011 - A new automated sample preparation
system based on Tecan's Freedom EVO® 200 liquid handling platform
has been developed for proteomic biomarker discovery and validation
in collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen) and the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State
University.
The fully automated, integrated, high-throughput system is a key
tool in the research institutes' goal of establishing an
industrial-scale biomarker validation facility.
The platform can prepare nearly 1,000 samples in less than 24 hours
in the SISCAPA (Stable Isotope Standards with Capture by
Anti-Peptide Antibody) workflow, from receiving samples in
cryovials, to eluting selected peptides into 96-well plates ready
for analysis by mass spectrometry.
The scientific leadership for the integrated system specification
included: Dr. Konstantinos Petritis (TGen); and Dr. Mark Holl and
Dr. Deirdre Meldrum (Biodesign Institute).
"During biomarker discovery, we work with 20 to 100 samples but,
once we have identified potential biomarkers, verification and
clinical validation must be performed, where the challenge is to
process hundreds, perhaps thousands, of samples," said Dr.
Petritis, Associate Professor and Laboratory Head at TGen's Center
for Proteomics.
"One of Tecan's greatest strengths was undoubtedly the ease with
which it seamlessly brought everything together. Sample preparation
is a critical yet extremely long, multi-stage and labor-intensive
process that must be performed reproducibly. The Tecan system is a
comprehensive and flexible proteomic sample preparation platform
that successfully integrates and controls many different modules
from a range of vendors."
About Tecan
Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory
instruments and solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics, and
clinical diagnostics. The company specializes in the development,
production and distribution of instruments and automated workflow
solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. As an
original equipment manufacturer, Tecan is also a leader in
developing and manufacturing OEM instruments and components that
are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland
in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development
sites in both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and
service network in 52 countries. In 2009, Tecan generated sales of
CHF 392 million (USD 361.2 million; EUR 259.6 million). Registered
shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TK:
TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/ ISIN CH0012100191).
To find out more about Tecan's Freedom EVO liquid handling
platform, visit www.tecan.com/freedomevo/
For more information please contact
Tecan Trading AG
Tanja Sager
Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf
Tel +41 (0)44 922 81 11, Fax +41 (0)44 922 81 12
[email protected] www.tecan.com
About the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University
The Biodesign Institute addresses today's critical global
challenges in healthcare, sustainability and security by developing
solutions inspired from natural systems and translating those
solutions into commercially viable products and clinical practices.
www.biodesign.asu.edu.