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April 27, 2002 | Customer News

Tecan introduces the ProTeam FFE — a revolutionary technology to reduce the complexity of the proteome

  • For the first time, achieve the reproducibility and sensitivity necessary to overcome key bottlenecks in proteomic research
  • Reduce the complexity of the proteome before performing further downstream analyses (e.g. 2D PAGE, LC/MS)
  • Separate cells, cell organelles, cellular fragments and complex protein mixtures rapidly using a matrix-free fractionation system
  • Obtain unparalleled access to low-abundant proteins

Zurich, Switzerland, 19 April 2002  – Tecan, a leading player in the fast-growing Life Science supply industry, today announced the introduction of the ProTeam FFE, an innovative solution that offers academic research departments, biotech and pharmaceutical companies radically improved reproducibility and sensitivity for proteomic research. Despite the remarkable developments being made in proteomic research, key barriers remain restricting both the quality and speed of large-scale proteomic efforts. To address these bottlenecks, Tecan has developed the ProTeam™ FFE, a breakthrough system that offers a unique combination of innovative technology, high performance, and outstanding reliability. As the first part of the ProTeam suite of products for high-end proteomic research, the ProTeam FFE reduces the complexity of the proteome and offers unrivalled access to low-abundant proteins due to its capability for continuous sample application.

The ProTeam FFE is a liquid fractionation device that allows the rapid separation of charged molecules and particles without the use of a conventional solid polyacrylamide matrix. Advanced patented technology for matrix-free separation enables exceptional protein recovery. This revolutionary technology may be used to separate a wide range of charged molecules and particles including, for example, cells, cell organelles, cellular fragments and complex protein mixtures.

The ProTeam FFE system permits extremely fast continuous electrophoretic fractionation yielding up to 96 fractions. For optimal flexibility across a wide range of applications, experiments can be performed with different electrophoretic modes under both native and denaturing conditions. Rapid run times enable separation and fractionation within 30 minutes. For maximum performance, the ProTeam FFE is supplied with proprietary reagents (ProLytes) and validated protocols for isoelectric focusing. Further protocols for zone electrophoresis and isotachophoresis operation modes are possible.

Christoph Eckerskorn, Chief Scientific Officer of Tecan Munich GmbH, commented: “With the introduction of the ProTeam FFE, Tecan is providing a much needed solution for proteomic researchers worldwide.” He added: ”Through its breakthrough matrix-free technology and the possibility for continuous fractionation, the ProTeam FFE has the potential to transform proteomic research by offering improved reproducibility, sensitivity and automation. For the first time, new applications will be possible in diverse areas ranging from cellular pathway analysis and the identification of new disease markers up to the characterization of new drug targets. “

In the ProTeam FFE, protein samples are aspirated by a dedicated peristaltic pump and injected into a separation chamber consisting of two parallel plates. Under laminar flow, the sample is transported upwards within a thin film of aqueous medium formed between the two plates. The plates are flanked by two electrodes which generate a high-voltage electric field perpendicular to the laminar flow. Charged molecules or particles are separated according their electrophoretic mobility or isoelectric point depending on the applied electrophoretic conditions.

Jan Timmers, Head of the Business Area Biopharma at Tecan, remarked: “The introduction of the ProTeam FFE firmly establishes Tecan as a provider of leading technological solutions in the rapidly growing proteomic market.” He added: “For the analysis of proteomes, the ProTeam FFE and the ProTeam suite of products will provide solutions that span the whole range of methods and technologies needed for protein identification, separation and characterization.”

The ProTeam FFE is the instrument of choice for proteomic researchers who wish to bring quality, speed and ease of execution to a wide range of applications in the modern research laboratory.

Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading player in the fast growing Life Sciences supply industry that specializes in the development, production, and distribution of solutions enabling the discovery of pharmaceutical substances, as well as for genomics, proteomics, and diagnostics. Tecan clients are leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, university research departments and diagnostic laboratories. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both North America and Europe and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2001, Tecan achieved sales of CH 361.9 million (USD 214.1 million; EUR 239.6 million).  Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the Swiss SWX stock exchange (TK: TECN / Reuters: TECZn.S / Valor : 1210019). 

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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