Thursday December 21, 8:03 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Genomic Solutions Inc.
Launched at Chips to Hits 2000, Genomic Solutions' ProPic(TM) Robotic Workstation Pleases Initial Users
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Genomic Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: GNSL - news), a leading, worldwide supplier of automated solutions for genomic and proteomic research, officially launched the Investigator(TM) ProPic(TM), the first fully integrated imaging and picking robotic workstation for protein spot excision, at the Chips to Hits 2000 meeting in Philadelphia November 9, 2000.
(Photo: newscom.com
``Since its launch, this new robotic workstation for high throughput analysis has been well accepted by research scientists from established institutions working in the area of proteomics,'' notes Kumar Bala, Global Product Manager -- Proteomics, for Genomic Solutions. ``Proteomic research scientists were looking for a tool that provides the advantages of high throughput, reproducibility, flexibility, integrated technology and hands free operation. We designed the ProPic to precisely meet those requirements. We have successfully installed six units, with another six to be delivered by the end of December 2000. Customers include reputed pharmaceutical, research and academic institutions in the United States, Europe and Japan.''
According to Lloyd W. Sumner, Ph.D., Head of Biological Mass Spectrometry for the Sam Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma USA, his ProPic purchase decision was based on its being part of the best proteomic system for imaging, picking, digestion and spotting. ``We believe that Genomic Solutions offered the best total system when we made our purchase decision. We also felt that the ProPic was one of Genomic Solutions' stronger components within the system. The ProPic was the only instrument available at the time with the ability to pick spots from medium to large size PAGE gels. We also felt that the robotic platform of the ProPic was much more sophisticated, robust and versatile than the competitors' units.''
Dr. Sumner notes that ProPic's versatility includes the ability to perform with both visible and UV illumination, gel rehydration, variable tool head and the ability to image and pick. ``Recent improvements and additions including the wash weir, ultrasonic bath and the new 12-bit camera system further enhance the performance of the ProPic,'' he adds.
The Sam Noble Foundation research team -- Gregory D. May, Richard A. Dixon, Robert A. Gonzales, Maria J. Harrison, Richard S. Nelson, Nancy L. Paiva, Marilyn Roossinck, Rouf Mian, Kevin D. Staggs and Lloyd W. Sumner -- is using Genomic Solutions equipment in a new functional genomics study of the model legume, Medicago truncatula. This plant is a close relative of alfalfa and soybean but offers many biological advantages as a model legume.
``Our functional genomic investigations will include quantitative measurements of mRNA using expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and microarrays, protein expression using 2D-PAGE and mass spectrometry, and metabolite expression using various analytical platforms to gain a multi dimensional view of cellular functions and biology,'' notes Dr. Sumner. ``Random activation tagging will be performed to generate an estimated 300,000 mutants to yield a statistical coverage of the M. truncatula genome. Screening will be performed on all viable mutants. Those mutants yielding favorable phenotypes will be studied in detail.''
Genomic Solutions' ProPic, ProGest(TM) protein digestion station, ProMS(TM) MALDI preparation station, and High Throughput Analyzer software will be used in the Foundation's proteomic investigations. ``When large scale identification of proteins from 2D-PAGE gels is necessary, the ProPic offers a beneficial platform for high throughput spot excision,'' Dr. Sumner concludes. ``We are very happy with our selection of the ProPic and would recommend it.''
The Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine at the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania USA is also taking advantage of ProPic's versatile design. ``We decided to purchase the ProPic for several reasons. Since the robot bed is completely enclosed, the gel is protected from dust and keratin contamination,'' says the Institute researcher Mary Ann Wagner, Ph.D. According to Dr. Wagner, the camera system also provides high quality images of the gel. The camera is mounted on the inside ceiling of the robot, rather than on the robotic arm, so there's no need to create a composite image by stitching several smaller images together. Additionally, the ProPic software interface is intuitive and easy to use.``
Genomic Solutions Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets and sells instruments, software, consumables and services used to determine the activity level of genes and to isolate, identify and characterize proteins. The company's products and systems enable researchers to perform complex, high volume experiments at a lower cost and in less time than traditional techniques. As a result, Genomic Solutions products and systems facilitate more rapid and less expensive drug discovery. Genomic Solutions markets products through its corporate headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA, and offices in the United Kingdom and Japan. Remaining worldwide distribution is provided by PerkinElmer Life Sciences through a strategic alliance with Genomic Solutions. The two companies also cooperate to sell co-branded products and collaborate to leverage their intellectual property and technologies. |
