• Automated protein processing on a single platform delivers higher sensitivity, reproducibility and a scalable throughput up to 3500 samples /day
• New DirectSpot technology and TecPrep 96 solid-phase extraction plate extend sensitivity further into the low femtomole range
• Improved flexibility and scalability for in-gel and in-solution protein processing

Zurich, Switzerland, 20 November 2002 – Tecan, a leading player in the Life Science supply industry, today announced the launch of ProTeam Advanced Digest. The ProTeam Advanced Digest is a next-generation solution for automated protein processing that may be easily integrated into Tecan’s ProTeam product Suite. Based on the Genesis liquid handling platform, ProTeam Advanced Digest is a scalable and flexible one-unit system capable of automated in-gel or in-solution protein digestion, peptide extraction and MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization) plate spotting procedures. The system is capable of delivering samples to a wide range of target plates.   

Christoph Eckerskorn, Chief Scientific Officer of Tecan Munich GmbH, commented: “We have introduced ProTeam Advanced Digest to make a significant improvement in the sensitivity, reproducibility and throughput of automated protein processing for researchers worldwide.” He added: ”By integrating our new DirectSpot technology and TecPrep 96 solid-phase extraction (SPE) plate into ProTeam Advanced Digest, we have achieved our objective of extending sensitivity further into the low femtomole range. This improved sensitivity enables us to offer major improvements to many applications that facilitate protein identification and characterization.”

Enhanced sensitivity through new technologies

Direct spotting with the new DirectSpot technology enables researchers to use lower sample volumes and consequently handle higher sample concentrations. Lower volumes and higher concentrations result in greatly improved sensitivity. Chromatography is performed in new SPE plates through a capillary process with a unique matrix (patent pending). This unique matrix system makes it possible to work with sample volumes down to 50 nl, which ensures very high sensitivity from extremely small quantities of protein samples.

Together with Tecan’s existing ProTeam Digest solution, Tecan now offers different scalable options to meet the varying needs of researchers in proteomics laboratories. Both ProTeam Digest and ProTeam Advanced Digest are fully compatible with the ProTeam Product Suite, a powerful new integrated system that can perform applications from cell disruption all the way down to mass spectrometric analysis. In combination with other solutions from Tecan, for example ProTeam FFE for fractionation of cells, cell organelles and complex protein mixtures, or ProTeam 2D for automated 2D gel electrophoresis, ProTeam Digest and ProTeam Advanced Digest allow scientists to have access to a complete modular system for protein fractionation, protein separation, protein identification and protein characterization.

By combining ease-of-use and flexibility with outstanding quality and performance, ProTeam Digest and ProTeam Advanced Digest are the perfect solutions for scientists demanding improved sensitivity and exceptional reliability for automated protein processing. For more information about Tecan’s ProTeam Advanced Digest and ProTeam Digest, contact your local Tecan representative or visit the Tecan website at www.tecan.com.

 Download the Advanced Digest brochure  

For more information, please contact :

Product information:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Cornelia Kegele
Manager Marketing Communications and Branding
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Fax: +41 (0)44 922 82 81
e-mail: cornelia.kegele@tecan.com
Internet: www.tecan.com

Editorial contact:

Rochat & Partners
Barry Whyte
Geneva
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)22 786 54 55
Fax: +41 (0)22 786 54 58
e-mail: barry@rochat-pr.ch

Investor Relations:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Annabelle Brameshuber
Corporate Communications
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 8430
e-mail: investor@tecan.com