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13th October 2004

NextGen Sciences introduces the a2DEoptimizer ™, an advanced tool for
2-dimensional electrophoresis

NextGen Sciences Ltd has today announced the global launch of the a2DEoptimizer™. The pioneering system is the first to automate gel casting to user-defined gradients, and has been designed to improve manual 2-dimensional electrophoresis by increasing reproducibility and enhancing the resolution of protein separations.

The development of the system was a spin-out 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 separation.

“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. We have designed the a2DEoptimizer to allow researchers to create customised gradient gel profiles to meet their exact 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.” said Dr Paul Orange, Senior Product Manager at NextGen Sciences.

The bench-top system is PC-controlled and can run high-speed IEF at up to 10,000V, 2nd dimension gel tanks, and will cast gradient gels of any dimension. The a2DEoptimizer 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 a2DEoptimizer, including the autocast12™ large format multi-gel caster, a flatbed IEF system, and an SDS-PAGE running tank. The system uses traditional gel chemistries referenced in thousands of scientific publications and is supplied with ready-to-use reagents.

The system was today introduced to 10,000 delegates at the Japanese Biochemical Society meeting in Yokohama, by NextGen Sciences and SCRUM Inc, the company’s Japanese distribution partner. Speaking at the conference, Dr Orange commented: “The Japanese Biochemical Society meeting has been an ideal location for the commercial launch of the a2DEoptimizer due to the growing interest in protein research in Japan and our strong alliance with SCRUM. We have been delighted with the response the system has received at this important meeting. NextGen Sciences has now established a strong network of distributors across Asia, the USA, and Europe, and we look forward to introducing 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.

About NextGen Sciences
NextGen Sciences Ltd is a leading provider of integrated solutions for molecular biology and protein research. The company’s advanced technologies fully automate established, complex research techniques, improving results and accelerating discovery.

With a team of skilled individuals comprising expert discovery scientists, software and design engineers, NextGen Sciences is uniquely positioned to rapidly progress technology solutions from design concept to market. The company has a strong track record of launching first to market products and has achieved an international reputation for successfully commercialising technology.
For more information contact Lorna Watson, Marketing Manager
e: lorna.watson@nextgensciences.com
t: +44 (0) 1480 420 974

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© NextGen Sciences Ltd 2004, All rights reserved

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