The a2DE Optimizer, which is the only system on the market to automate casting gradient gels, can be used with a wide range of commercially available flatbed IEF units and 2nd dimension gel tanks. In addition, NextGen Sciences has developed its own suite of 2D equipment to compliment the a2DE Optimizer, including the autocast12 large format multi-gel caster, a flatbed IEF system, and an SDS-PAGE running tank.
The development of the system was a spinout from the a2DE technology, the company's fully automated 2-dimensional electrophoresis system, which has the capability of casting its own gels for second dimension operation.
Having been in development for just 3 months the system employs much of the technology originally developed for the a2DE, which has been in development for 4 years.
A spokeswoman for NextGen told LabTechnologist.com: "We found that some researchers wanted to use this gradient gel casting capability to improve the resolution of target proteins or total proteomes, but wanted to apply this to their existing electrophoresis formats."
"Most researchers are also moving to larger gel formats (26cm by 20cm) to increase resolution. However, pouring gradient gels by hand leads to considerable variability, and large pre-cast gels are expensive, have short shelf lives and are available with only a limited choice of gradients."
The a2DEoptimizer has been designed to allow researchers to design customised gradient gels to meet exact gradient gel profiles requirements. Once the gradient has been designed and stored on the computer, the gels are then cast automatically by the system, giving the same result every time that particular profile is recalled.
"The a2DEoptimizer is a relatively inexpensive technology, and typical customers would range from researchers who perform 2D electrophoresis occasionally but require improved protein resolution and separation, to researchers who perform a lot of 2D electrophoresis and wish to increase throughput," she added.
The technology is also suitable for those currently doing (or intending to do) large format 2DE. This is defined as using 24cm IPG strips for the first dimension separation and then using second dimension gels that are capable of running out 24cm strips intact.
The a2DEoptimizer is NOT limited to this format and can be used to cast and run gels of any dimension. The gel casting ability of the a2DEoptimizer can be calibrated to any gel casting tank from any supplier. It was designed to adapt to existing electrophoresis systems and strategies.
Currently, the 2D electrophoresis market is in a healthy state, as the technique is the most commonly used separations methodology, and it is still thought of as the 'gold standard' for protein separations.
The system, which was introduced at the Japanese Biochemical Society meeting in Yokohama, was launched there with an eye on the Japanese market. Dr Paul Orange, senior product manager at NextGen Sciences commented that the growing interest in protein research in the Far East and NextGen's strong alliance with its distribution partner SCRUM has made NextGen's move a strategically sound one.
NextGen's Asian connection has now established strong networks of distributors across Asia, the USA, and Europe and the company intend to introduce the a2DEoptimizer to these markets in the coming months. The first public viewing for the a2DEoptimizer in Europe will be HET Instrument in the Netherlands, 1st of November 2004.
The system, which uses traditional gel chemistries referenced in thousands of scientific publications and is supplied with ready-to-use reagents is available now at Integra's website at a list price of £12,000.