Sigma-Aldrich Introduces the First Antibody-Based Microarray

8th November 2004 St Louis, MO and Taufkirchen, Germany, 8th November 2004 – Sigma-Aldrich (NASDAQ: SIAL), a global leader in Life Science and High Technology, has introduced a new product it believes holds great promise in the fight against diseases such as cancer. The product, called the PanoramaTM Ab Microarray Cell Signalling Kit, is the first in a line of antibody-based microarrays.

Antibody microarrays are a valuable tool when researching cancer and other diseases in which growth, invasion and transmission may result from an abnormal network of cell signalling proteins. Other types of arrays such as DNA/RNA/oligo are helpful in providing information on the genetic defects that may cause disease, while protein microarrays provide important information about the corresponding functional state. 

“The advancement of microarrays and the development of our Panorama Ab Microarray Cell Signalling Kit will provide a significant advantage as the medical community continues its research efforts,” said Leigh Gaskill, Market Segment Manager of Cell Signaling and Immunology. “It is our hope that the advantages that the new kit offers will help make great progress in the fight against cancer and similar diseases. Process improvement has always been our focus and will continue to be, as we strive to help our customers be more successful in everything they do.” 

The Panorama Ab Microarray Kit offers several advantages. First, through a careful selection and validation process, the Panorama Kit will help provide researchers with more meaningful results. Each kit consists of 224 immobilized antibodies, chosen from Sigma-Aldrich’s range of over 3,000. Each antibody is also available separately.  

Second, the Panorama Kit utilizes a specialized format, maintaining antibody activity and specificity within a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the nitrocellulose layer. The result? A high protein binding capacity, dynamic range and reproducibility.   

Third, Sigma-Aldrich uses a specific, five to six hour direct labelling process that eliminates the potential for cross-specificity of antibody pairs. All proteins are labelled with reactive dyes, mixed and incubated on the microarray, allowing specific proteins to bind to antibodies on the array.  

Finally, the Panorama Ab Microarray Kit features an improved shelf life – up to 12 months. It’s all made possible by a specific process that utilises a proprietary blocking buffer developed by Sigma-Aldrich.

For additional information on the complete range of antibodies available from Sigma-Aldrich, visit the Antibody Explorer Web site at www.sigma-aldrich.com/antibody. 

About Sigma-Aldrich: Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Our biochemical and organic chemical kits are used in genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and chemical manufacturing. We have customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use our products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 34 countries and has 6,000 employees providing excellent service worldwide. We are committed to the success of our Customers, Employees and Shareholders through leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. 

For more information on Sigma-Aldrich, please visit www.sigma-aldrich.com 

Media enquiries to Northbank Communications

English language enquiries to:

Sue Charles, +44 (0)20 7886 8152, s.charles@northbankcommunications.com

German language enquiries to:

Katharina Winterstein, +49 (0)89 2425 7312, k.winterstein@northbankcommunications.com

At the Company:  

In USA:

Leigh Gaskill, +1 314 771 5765 

In Europe:

Klaus Herick, +49 (0)89 6513 0