Genetix launch hybrid bed option for HT Microarrayer
option designed to compliment its high-throughput, fully featured
QArray microarrayer platform used to detect low-level expression of
genes making it ideal for all microarray applications
The new hybrid bed option allows the user to microarray either into microtitre plates (16) or onto conventional glass slides (32) on the same instrument achieving an increased gene detection rate and sensitivity for the detection of low expressed genes.
Drug discovery wise, this can be applied to measure the changes in gene expression that occur in a particular disease process or in response to exposure to a drug.
Primarily aimed at academia, biotech, pharma and the commercial microarraying companies, the instrument can use either a 5-microplate-source plate holder (which can be chilled) or be fitted with an automated stacker system (which can hold up to 70 source microplates).
Philip Hargreaves, Microarray Product Manager at Genetix Limited told DrugResearcher.com: "This instrument can be used for all microarray applications such as DNA, protein and antibody arraying."
The QArray2 platform boasts the capacity to array 90 slides from 70 source microplates and includes automated lid removal and replacement to maintain sample integrity. The stand-alone system comes fully enclosed with HEPA filtration for dust-free printing, and offers a number of optional extras including humidity control providing the optimum environment for printing and sample integrity. A high-pressure wash station with compressed air drying cleans the pins and eliminates carryover.
A combination of a high-precision flat bed design together with 1um resolution on all linear servo drive axes ensures the accurate printing and reproducible spot location.
Other microarraying technologies supplied by several different companies exist on the market. They include Affymetrix, NimbleGen and Agilent.
The hybrid bed option is available now with prices depending on options requested (stacker, chiller, hybrid bed etc)
