Affymetrix GeneChip Platform
April 11, 2005 | Monday | News
The
Affymetrix GeneChip system analyses all oligonucleotide based
probe arrays for expression analysis, genotyping and health
management.
The platform mainly comprises of the gene chips, kits, hybridization oven,
fluidics station, high-resolution scanner and computer/software workstation for
control, data acquisition and analysis. Affymetrix has GeneChips for human,
eukaryotes, prokaryotes and plants. The system helps in generating reproducible
genetic analysis data. Custom designed arrays can also be produced based on the
sequence data. The new generation Affymetrix GeneChips have 11m feature size and
very soon will have GeneChips with 5m feature size. The entire human Genome with
~ 38,500 Genes are available on single GeneChip. Similarly, 100K- array
(>100,000 SNP's) is available for SNP analysis, re-sequencing, association
studies, linkage studies and chromosome copy number. There are more than 1100
Affymetrix GeneChip platforms in various institutions, universities,
pharmaceutical industries and medical research/hospitals worldwide.
For more details, contact: spincomd@md4.vsnl.net.in
mRNA Quantitation Kits by R&D Systems
US based R&D Systems has introduced mRNA Quantitation Kits in the
market to assist the biotech industry. Quantikine mRNA kits are simple,
colorimetric, microplate-based assays for the quantitation of cytokine-specific
mRNA. This kit is capable of quantitating gene-specific mRNA in the attomolar
(10-18) range. Using an ELISA-based format, levels of mRNA can be estimated from
cell lysate, total RNA, or poly (A)+ RNA samples in less than five hours. This
non-PCR based assay offers several advantages over conventional methods of mRNA
quantitation, such as Northern blot analysis and semiquantitative RT-PCR.
Radioactive isotopes, specialized instrumentation, and extensive assay
optimization are not required. The quantitative mRNA assay is capable of both
high sample throughput as well as quantitative analysis of 
multiple
target mRNAs in parallel.
Quantikine mRNA kits are available in two modules, a Base Kit
and a Probes and Calibrator kit. The Base kit is common for all cytokines while
Probes and Calibrator kits are assigned for a given cytokine specific mRNA. The
Base Kit and Probes and Calibrator Kits can also be purchased individually for
multi-analyte analysis. This product is being distributed exclusively in India
by Delhi-based Biotech India.
For further details, contact: info@biotechindia.com
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Millipore introduces High
Throughput Syringe Filters
 Millipore
has announced the availability of 33 mm Sample Preparation Millex syringe
filters with Millipore Express PLUS polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. The
syringe filters are used for general particulate filtration prior to high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other instrument analysis. The
syringe filters allow the removal of fine particles to protect
chromatography columns from premature plugging.
The filter's Millipore Express PLUS membrane provides
rapid flow rates and high throughput for the sterilization and
clarification of 10 to 200 mL of aqueous and mild organic solutions. The
low-protein binding membrane delivers twice the throughput of other
membrane types.
Blotting membrane
Millipore has also announced the availability of its Immobilon-FL
membrane, the first western blotting membrane specifically optimized for
fluorescence applications. The background fluorescence of this
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microporous membrane is nearly 10 times
lower than typical PVDF membranes and 2 to 5 times lower than
nitrocellulose membranes. As a result, the new membrane offers greater
sensitivity and improved protein detection with fluorescent reagents.
Acerta DS1 dispensing system
 Millipore's
Acerta DS1 dispensing system, a single-head liquid filling unit, utilizes
a pre-assembled, sterile disposable filling module. The system is designed
for final sterile injectables and diagnostics in biotechnology and
classical pharmaceutical manufacturing across a range of fill weights and
applications. This includes process development, new drug development
testing, clinical trial filling and small scale production.
To provide complete product containment for enhanced
sterility assurance and operator safety, all contact parts in the filling
assembly are pre-assembled and disposable. This makes the Acerta DS1
system ideal for cytotoxic and gene therapy products.
For more information, visit www.millipore.com
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