New Bio-Rad VersArray ChipWriter Pro systems set standards for uniformity, spot density and reproducibility
HERCULES, CA, October 29, 2002 Bio-Rad
Laboratories' new VersArray ChipWriter Pro systems set the standards for
uniformity, spot density and reproducibility in the printing of DNA,
proteins or other biological samples into microarrays. They produce
superior arrays on a variety of substrates.
"The design of the VersArray ChipWriter Pro incorporates the highest
quality and precision robotics to produce extremely consistent rows and
columns of highly-reproducible spots," explains Harry Naghieh,
Business Unit Manager, Bio-Rad Imaging and Microarray Business Unit.
"This translates into significant productivity improvements during
the spot finding and gridding process in image analysis. In addition, the
superior reproducibility ensures confidence in the experimental
process."
Spotting speed of VersArray ChipWriter Pro systems is one print per
second. This means that 40 slides, each containing the entire yeast genome
(approximately 6,200 genes), can be spotted with 48 pins in less than
three hours. The ChipWriter Pro is equipped with standard Telechem Stealth
series pins, ensuring highly consistent spots.
Superior reliability is another important attribute of the VersArray
ChipWriter Pro systems. Modular component design and flexible software
accommodate micro-runs and unattended high-throughput prints. Designed as
a true walk-away system for unattended overnight runs, it combines
convenience with tremendous savings of time, repairs and reduced material
waste. The system's environmental chamber protects samples and materials
throughout each run.
Versatile.
The VersArray ChipWriter Pro easily
adapts into a macroarrayer. The user simply replaces the quill pins with
solid pins to print on a large number of membranes or nylon filters in a
single run. The instrument can also function as a liquid transfer system
or colony picking instrument with optional modules.
It is the only commercially-available system to provide open source code
on robotics. This and the easy-to-use graphical user interface provide a
wide range of performance options for challenging runs.
Bio-Rad also offers a unique colony-picking option for customers with
lower throughput needs. The user defines the parameters of the colonies to
be picked, a CCD camera captures the colony images and the high-speed
image processing system prioritizes the picking of white and blue colonies
as small as 300 µm in diameter.
The instrument handles up to 126 slides per run, on a variety of
difference sizes and substrates including: glass, matrix, ceramics, metals
and membranes. Nearly 82,000 spots can be printed per slide,
typically 90105 µm on 140150 µm centers (user-defined). Up to 32 96
or 384-well source plates can be accommodated by the stacker.
High-performance robotics use zero deflection, special alignment
techniques and submicron-resolution instrumentation. Resolution on the x y
axis resolution is 1.22 µm and z axis is .24 µm with ±3 µm printhead
repeatability.
The VersArray ChipWriter Pro systems are part of the company's new family
of microarray products, which also includes: VersArray ChipReader,
VersArray ChipWriter Compact DNA spotting system, VersArray colony
picker and arrayer systems and VersArray analysis software. This
completes Bio-Rad's extensive suite of imaging systems.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (www.bio-rad.com) is a multinational
manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and clinical
diagnostics. It is based in Hercules, California, and serves more than
70,000 research and industry customers worldwide through a network of more
than 30 wholly owned subsidiary offices.
For more information call 800-424-6723 (800-4BIO-RAD) or visit us on the
web at
discover.bio-rad.com
All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their
respective holders.
Editorial Contact:
Please
send reader inquiries directly to:
Victor Miranda, M.D.
Debbie
Schantz
Marketing Manager, Imaging Systems
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
2000
Alfred Nobel Drive
Phone: (510) 741-6337
Hercules,
CA 94547
E-mail: victor_miranda@bio-rad.com
E-mail: debbie_schantz@bio-rad.com
--
Stu Matlow
Principal
FaradayMatlowYost, LLC
415.982.9100
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