Spotlight Biotechnology/Immunology
New Software Connects Digital and Molecular Pathology for the First Time
Research Consortium Awarded Funding
Automated Alternative to Immunofixation Provides Perfect Resolution
Carl Zeiss has introduced the PALM VisDat (Virtual Slide Data Transfer) module of the PALM RoboSoftware, which makes it possible for the first time to connect molecular and digital pathology. The VisDat module enables users to precisely transfer information about specific areas marked on digitised tissue sections for laser microdissection on the Carl Zeiss PALM MicroBeam systems. This is particularly beneficial for researchers in molecular biology and medicine as well as for pathologists.
Thanks to its intuitive user interface, the module is very easy to operate. Microscopic specimens are scanned with one of the Zeiss MIRAX systems and uploaded to a server database using the MDSD (MIRAX Digital Slide Desktop) module. The digital tissue sections can then be accessed remotely and regions of interest marked via the Internet. The VisDat module transfers the markings from the MDSD database to a laser microdissection system where the selected areas are isolated for subsequent molecular analysis. Accuracy in the transfer of the object coordinates is maximised due to the precise reference method of the software module.
The new module saves users time. Until now, microscopic analysis is needed to check if the specimens are important. Only then can an examination on the laser microdissection system be performed in order to mark regions of interest. With VisDat, this additional step is eliminated.
Another major benefit of the new software is that users are not tied to a single location. The connection between MDSD and VisDat makes it possible to access the digital images via the Internet and discuss them online in tele- consultation meetings before the data is sent to the PALM systems via a network connection.
Several users can select areas of interest in the tissue section simultaneously using colour-specific object markers. These are recognised by the PALM software and used for colour-coded separation into different collection vessels during the laser microdissection process. The VisDat module can be integrated into all PALM systems featuring RoboSoftware 4.3.
Circle no. 537 Expanding Gene Expression Assay Portfolio
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) has expanded its PrimeTime qPCR portfolio to include new assay scales that enable more affordable gene expression studies. The PrimeTime Mini (100 reactions), Standard (500 reactions) and XL (2500 reactions) Assay scales better reflect customer needs for validation and screening studies.
Stephen Gunstream, IDT’s OEM Business Unit Leader, commented: “Our new qPCR scales ensure that all scientists, including those who only require limited reactions, can have access to the most precise quantitative PCR chemistry available.”
The new assays can be ordered through IDT’s RealTime PCR Design Tool.
The tool allows for ultimate design flexibility and includes the option to select specific exon spanning sites, as well as review all primer and probe sequences prior to purchase.
Circle no. 540
Now available from Brosch Direct, an all-purpose single use blue nitrile tourniquet that has been introduced and designed especially for safe and hygienic blood collection, ensuring patient comfort.
The new blue nitrile tourniquet is reinforced for increased strength and as the material is free from latex it will not pinch skin or trap hair whilst in use and is ideal for use by people with latex allergies, in addition the blue nitrile tourniquets have been fully tested and proven to not irritate the skin.
The blue nitrile tourniquet has been designed as a single use stretch tourniquet that can be easily dispensed to encourage a single-use policy, helping reduce the potential for cross contamination between patients and healthcare workers.
The blue nitrile tourniquet has been produced as 18” long, which will fit any size arm and are sold in easily stored boxes of 100 tourniquets.
Circle no. 541
Denator AB announced that the consortium focused on improved sample preparation of blood plasma samples has been ranked 31st out of more than 300 European projects and will receive approximately 300,000 Euros in funding from the EU Eurostars Programme.
Denator will participate as lead partner in the new research consortium that will focus on development and verification of a prototype for rapid and reliable blood plasma handling. The project will have a special focus on increasing the potential of biomarker discovery for diagnostics and drug development.
Other partners of the consortium are Sigolis AB in Sweden; the Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Unit at Leiden University Medical Centre, headed by Professor Andre Deelder, the Netherlands and the BioScope group, at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. The consortium also includes the involvement of a large pharmaceutical company that will support the project with key customer understanding.
This year, competition between applying projects has been extremely fierce. All projects have been assessed by carefully selected independent technical experts and independent evaluation panel. Based on that assessment, technology and innovation, market and competitiveness factors, projects were then ranked across all industries.
Olof Sköd, CEO of Denator, said: “This collaboration project will allow us to continue developing exciting new techniques for stabilisation of biological samples which will provide unique insights and a deeper understanding of the human proteome and its role in disease. Our involvement in the consortium enables us to work even more closely with existing as well as new collaborative partners. We are confident that working within such a strong team of innovative actors presents the perfect opportunity for developing breakthrough technology.”
Circle no. 538
Expert in clinical electrophoresis, Sebia offers a range of automated capillary and agarose gel systems for immunology testing. The immunotyping (IT) assay utilises Capillarys’ proven capillary electrophoresis technology to provide an automated alternative to traditional immunofixation testing.
Following detection of paraproteins using routine protein electrophoresis, immunofixation is used to identify monoclonal antibodies or immunoglobulins present. Sebia’s IT assay is a completely automated method allowing up to 10 samples to be processed per hour. After loading primary sample tubes onto Capillarys, each serum is mixed with specific antisera, such as anti IgG, IgA, IgM, kappa and lambda. An antigen-antibody complex is rapidly formed in the liquid medium, with no external sample mixing or incubation required. Treated samples are then automatically analysed allowing laboratory personnel to walk away after initial sample loading.
A reference pattern is overlaid with each antisera pattern to allow easy identification of the monoclonal peaks, which have been removed. With excellent resolution and method sensitivity of 25-50 mg/ml, the fully-automated immunotyping method from Sebia is a perfect alternative to traditional immunofixation. For laboratories with limited bench space, the IT assay is also available on Sebia’s compact capillary electrophoresis system, Minicap.
Circle no. 539
All Purpose Single Use Nitrile Disposable Tourniquet
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