ISSN 1660-5276
Tecan Journal English Edition 3/2003 - November 2003
Automated DNA Extraction from Plants Page 4
Aiming to Establish Clinical Proteomics Page 6
Freedom EVO™ for Clinical Diagnostics Pages 10, 12
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Editorial
Contents
Global News
The EVO family is growing fast
Freedom EVO™ – a Platform Concept is Transforming Laboratory Automation
Dear Customer The new Freedom EVO™, launched in July, has received
Page 3
a very warm welcome. Already many of our customers have decided to buy the new platform, demonstrating, that once again because of its extensive experience, Tecan has developed a product that corresponds to the needs in today’s laboratories.
Genomics Automated DNA Extraction from Plants
Page 4
The concept of the modular Freedom EVO platform allows Tecan to offer a range of throughput options and easy integration with other devices. It also makes Freedom EVO the base of application solutions for Tecan’s customers in all business areas,
Proteomics Aiming to Establish Clinical Proteomics
Page 6
ranging from Genomics, Proteomics and Drug Discovery to Clinical Diagnostics. Less than three months after its launch, Tecan was able to present a range of application versions of Freedom EVO at its Innovation Day on September 19th in Männedorf – giving financial analysts and media representatives an impressive picture of Freedom
New Products Freedom EVO™ for Peptide Mass Finger-printing Sample Preparation
Page 9
EVO’s fast growing family. In recent years Tecan has been preparing to meet the requirements of the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79/EC (IVD-D), which aims to further improve the safety, quality and efficacy of diagnostic medical devices. Freedom EVO platforms for Clinical
Clinical Diagnostics
Diagnostics will be compliant with the requirements of the IVD-D. We are confident
In Vitro Diagnostic Directive: Tecan is Well Prepared to Assist You
Page 10
that our preparations have resulted in the highest possible safety standards of products and services for our customers. Tecan’s new range of solutions for Clinical Diagnostics will be on display at the Medica trade show in Düsseldorf from November 19th to 22nd, we hope to see you there. Yours faithfully,
Clinical Diagnostics Freedom EVO™ for Clinical Diagnostics
Page 12 Events
Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003 and 2004
Michael Baronian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tecan Group Ltd
Page 14 New Products Tecan’s new 384-channel pipetting head Two new disposable troughs for reagents
Page 15
Tecan Journal 3/2003
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Global News
Freedom EVO™ – a Platform Concept is Transforming Laboratory Automation
A wide range of applications implemented on Freedom EVO with various deck sizes were on display at Tecan’s Innovation Day. At its Innovation Day in September,
different application needs of customers.
The Innovation Day was concluded with
Tecan presented a range of applications
From delivering the highest possible flexibility
a factory tour. Participants could assure
on its recently launched Freedom EVO
through its modular open design up to
themselves of the rapid acceptance of the
automation platform to demonstrate
compliance with the very latest regulatory
new platform by the market as more than
how its modular concept will influence
requirements, the Freedom EVO platform
50 percent of the instruments in production
laboratory work of customers.
enables applications across all of Tecan’s
were already new Freedom EVO type
business areas of Genomics, Proteomics,
platforms.
On the occasion of Tecan’s Innovation Day on 19 September, and less than three months
Drug Discovery and Diagnostics.
In conclusion, the visitors at the
after the launch in July, Tecan was able to
The instruments on display at the event
Innovation Day received not only a better
present a remarkable range of applications
included:
understanding of the innovative and far
implemented on Freedom EVO. Around 50
• Freedom EVO 75 (available early 2004).
reaching concept behind the Freedom EVO
financial analysts and media representatives
• Freedom EVO 100 configured for nucleic
platform, but also an impressive picture of
attended the event at Tecan’s headquarters
acid sample preparation applications in
in Männedorf, which focused on Tecan’s
genomics.
platform strategy and the resulting product – the Freedom EVO series. By offering increased flexibility and regulatory compliance for both existing and future customer needs, Tecan’s Freedom EVO automation platform is extending the company’s leadership position in liquid handling for the Life Science industry. Demonstrations and presentations showed how Tecan’s new platform, which is founded on over 20 years of experience, is transforming laboratory automation for the many
Freedom EVO’s fast growing product family.
• Freedom EVO 150 set up as GenePaint for preparing tissue sections for gene expression studies. • Freedom EVO 150 configured for protein digestion applications. • Freedom EVO 200 for high-throughput screening in drug discovery. • Freedom EVOlyzer for clinical diagnostics applications. • Workstation for testing beef for BSE
Tecan’s product managers explained the details of specific instruments and were available for visitors’ questions.
(bovine spongiform encephalopathy) infection.
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Genomics
Automated DNA Extraction from Plants High-throughput purification of plant DNA on a Tecan Freedom EVO™ Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation workstation
A high-throughput plant DNA isolation technology has been established to support projects that help to find better solutions for the control of plant diseases.
Research on plant diseases
The Tecan Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample
Automation
Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete
Preparation workstation is a highly flexible
The Tecan Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample
Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most
platform for fully automated plant DNA
Preparation workstation is designed for
important grape (Vitis vinifera) diseases,
extraction in a 96-well format. Moreover,
the automation of plant DNA extraction
which needs to be controlled by preventive
with the use of appropriate storage modules
with kits such as the Macherey-Nagel
fungicide application to reduce its erratic
within the Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample
NucleoSpin® 96 Plant. The instrument is
appearance and high reproduction potential.
Preparation workstation, multiple batches
equipped with 8 pipetting channels for
One of the research areas of the group of
of 96 samples can be isolated without any
disposable tips and a robotic manipulator
Cesare Gessler at the Institute of Plant
manual user interaction.
(RoMa) arm. The Gemini software package is used for control of the process, and all steps
Sciences of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich is to investigate the
Extraction principle
requiring vacuum conditions are performed
mechanisms and to find better solutions for
After the plant samples have been
using the integrated Te-VacS module.
the control of this disease. Four microsatellite
homogenized DNA can be extracted through
markers have been developed to clarify
lysis buffers containing denaturing agents
unknown aspects of epidemiology and
and detergents. Lysis mixtures are cleared by
genetic variability of the pathogen.
centrifugation in order to remove residual
A high-throughput plant DNA isolation technology has been established to support the projects in this laboratory. The automation of this method plays a pivotal role in many large plant genotyping projects, such as population studies, plant breeding, GMO investigations and many others. However, throughput, quality and quantity of total DNA prepared are often the limiting steps
cellular debris. The clear supernatant is mixed with binding buffer containing chaotropic salts and ethanol to create conditions for optimal binding to the silica
The complete automated process is divided into three steps. Lysis of the material in the incubator for 30 minutes, centrifugation for 20 minutes and finally the cleaning up performed by Freedom EVO with Vacuum pumps, taking 70 minutes for 96 samples. This adds up to a total processing time of 2 hours for 96 samples.
membrane. After washing with two different buffers, DNA can be eluted in low salt buffer or water and is ready-to-use for subsequent reactions such as PCR, RAPD, AFLP or Southern blotting.
The process Plant leaves were freeze-dried for 12 hours and, after weight determination, were ground in a Round-well Block with
for downstream genetic analysis. Tecan Journal 3/2003
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Genomics
Figure. 3 HTP extraction of DNA from Plasmopara viticola. The obligate biotrophic parasitic oomycete Plasmopara viticola is the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew. P. viticola DNA was co-extracted with Figure 2: PCR from extracted Plant DNA. Plant DNA from different plant species was amplified
Vitis vinifera DNA from infected leaves
with the primer pair for the TrnL Intron (Taberlet et al., Plant Mol Biol. 1991 (5):1105-9). 1 µl of DNA
(96 samples). DNA extraction was performed
from different individual extractions was used as template in 50 µl reaction volume. 7 µl of the
using NucleoSpin® 96 Plant on a Freedom EVO
PCR reaction were loaded on a 2% agarose gel in 1x TBE and were run at 90V for 3.5h. Similar
Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation workstation.
results demonstrating the quality and reproducibility of the automated DNA extraction were also
After PCR amplification with the SSR marker
received for the following plant species: sunflower, strawberry and maize (not shown).
CES specific to Plasmopara viticola DNA, the
(M = Marker; a, b, c, d =Sample, duplicate amplification; K=Control).
fragments were loaded onto a 1% agarose gel.
3mm metal beads in a Retsch MM300 mixer
purposes) up to 75mg (preparative run).
Data kindly provided by G. Valsesia and
mill. Grinding was performed at 30 s-1 for
Depending on sample type, extraction yield
D. Gobbin of the group of Cesare Gessler at
20 seconds.
was consistently within 120-420ng DNA per
the Institute of Plant Sciences, Swiss Federal
mg dried plant tissue. Purified DNA was free
Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland.
Ground plant samples and reagents from the NucleoSpin® 96 Plant kit were placed on the deck of the Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation workstation and the
of PCR inhibiting contaminants as shown by accurate and homogeneous amplification results (Fig. 2; Fig. 3).
automated process was started. The final elution volume was 100 µl.
Conclusion The Freedom EVO Nucleic Acid Sample
Specific Polymerase Chain Reactions of extracted plant DNA samples were performed using a primer pair for the TrnL Intron (Taberlet et al., Plant Mol Biol. 1991 (5):1105-9). 1 to 5 µl of extracted DNA was used as a template. Parasitic specific amplification (Fig. 3) was achieved with the SSR marker CES specific to Plasmopara viticola DNA.
Results Fast and reliable DNA extraction was
Preparation workstation in conjunction with the NucleoSpin®96 Plant kit guarantees reliable plant DNA extraction with excellent results: • 96 samples are processed in about 120 minutes. • Homogeneous yields from a broad range of plant species. • DNA is ready-to-use for downstream applications including PCR, Southern Blot and customer specific applications such as analysis of co-extracted parasite DNA.
achieved using ground, freeze-dried leaves from various plant species. Sample size ranged from 5mg (for amplification
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Proteomics
Aiming to Establish Clinical Proteomics Tecan’s technology advancing together with research customers Following the sequencing of the entire human genome, the age of post-genome sequencing has arrived. Post-genomic studies cover a wide variety of approaches and subjects, and a number of researchers from various institutes are working very hard in this field, tackling the studies from various dimensions. These range from genomic functional analyses based on protein analysis, to attempts to use genetic polymorphisms or quantitative profiling of genetic expression as markers. Dr. Toshihide Nishimura and Dr. Takao Kawakami from Medical ProteoScope Co., Ltd. (MPS) are advancing research in clinical proteomics. Their aim is to establish a systematic protein analysis at clinical sites in
Toshihide Nishimura, Ph.D. CTO,
Takao Kawakami, Ph.D. Head, Proteomics
Medical ProteoScope Co., Ltd
Group, Medical ProteoScope Co., Ltd
Professor, Clinical Proteome Center,
Research Associate, Clinical Proteome Center,
Tokyo Medical University.
Tokyo Medical University.
high sample quality standard resulting in a
integrating liquid chromatography (LC) and
more effective analysis to meet project targets.”
MS. With this system, sample proteins are
collaboration with Tokyo Medical University. The flexibility of Tecan’s Genesis Workstation has contributed to the success of their high throughput analysis system.
This is the first attempt at collaborative
digested in liquid. The resulting peptides
While many genomic researchers are actively
proteomics research in Japan, which closely
are then analyzed by multi-dimensional LC
engaged in studying SNPs or gene expression
connects clinical sites and a research center.
followed directly by MS. By analyzing peptide
to utilize genetic information for clinical purposes, not as many attempts have been
mass numbers and amino acid sequences,
Need to establish high throughput analysis systems
proteins in the sample cells or organs can
made to utilize proteomics findings. MPS was founded in November 2002 with the
Currently, there is a broad range of protein
human samples without pre-isolation of the
aim of establishing clinical proteomics.
analysis methods available. Among them
expressed protein and it does this at a high
The Company is lead by experienced drug
is the widely used combination of two-
speed and with high protein identification
researchers from proteomics laboratories
dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass
accuracy and reliability.
of several global pharmaceutical companies
spectrometry (MS). 2-DE is ideally suitable
and other Japanese research institutes. MPS
for protein analysis of phosphorylation and
has established a unique collaboration with
post-translational modifications with lipids
Tokyo Medical University to help in the
or carbohydrate chains. The disadvantage of
collection of samples and medical history
this method is, however, that it can only
while honoring patients’ privacy.
analyze highly soluble proteins and resolves
Comprehensive collaborations with the
only 2,000 – 3,000 types of proteins. This is
Universities give MPS significant advantage
insufficient considering that a human cell
in securing a stable supply of high sample
contains more than 10,000 types of proteins,
quality while being able to maintain ethical
including post-translational modifications.
care and support. Dr. Nishimura stated,
Another disadvantage is that the method
“We analyze blood and organ tissue collected
requires complicated manual procedures,
from patients who are receiving clinical
which limit the number of samples one
treatment in the hospital. The clinicians
can analyze in a given amount of time
correctly assess the patient’s disease history
and resource.
and medication, and attach the information
In order to overcome these limitations, MPS
because it involves gels, but our system with
to the samples. This enables us to maintain a
developed a proprietary system based on
LC and MS can handle two human samples
be identified. The system is able to handle
In contrast to 2-DE, MPS’s system can detect low abundant membrane proteins, which are of special importance for drug discovery. MPS has already succeeded in automating their method and reaching a high throughput analysis rate. Tokyo Medical University hospital is one of the largest hospitals in the city with 2020 beds. It is easily expected that the number of sample cases that will be brought to the clinical proteome center annually reach into the hundreds. Therefore, it is vital to have a high throughput system to handle such a large number of samples. Dr. Nishimura commented, “It is difficult to automate 2-DE high throughput analysis
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Proteomics
Workflow at Medical ProteoScope
per day and can complete the proteome
Genesis Workstation since it proved to be
analysis of 200-400 human samples per year.
able to carry out the in-liquid digest process
Our proteome center possesses six complete
with the highest level of reliability and
systems and can handle 1200-2400 human
reproducibility.”
samples per year. With this system, MPS has one of the largest clinical proteomic analysis capacities in the world.” A key to successful performance of high throughput microanalysis is the in-liquid digestion method and other preparation steps. Manual handling of the sample preparation is quite error prone, even if performed carefully by well-trained and dedicated technicians. Most of the analysis targets a small amount of components of around 1000 molecules. One has to be able to detect these target proteins as potential biomarkers. As Dr. Kawakami commented, “There are no two identical samples in the
High flexibility of Tecan’s Genesis workstation Further he says, “The high throughput sample pipetting capability of the Genesis not only contributes to successful research results, but also provides a high degree of flexibility in terms of selecting the number of tip
“Tecan’s products are very flexible and easy to integrate into a system.”
channels used at a time, tip spacing, pipetting speed and the ability to handle various sizes or shapes of vessels. A wide variety of options and modules can also be easily integrated, which helps in finding the most suitable solution to the various protocols in different laboratories.
world, because each patient comes from a
People often make the mistake of thinking
It is true that there are some so-called ‘hard’
different background. If the sample handling
that simply buying and installing laboratory
instruments, which do not allow for much
is not accurate and standardized, one will
equipment off-the-shelf will result in a
adjustment and customization. These are not
never learn anything significant from the
convenient and useful system. But you have
easy to integrate into an automated analysis
analysis results. Therefore, it is vital to
to know exactly what you are trying to
procedure. In contrast, Tecan’s products are
implement standardized sample handling,
achieve in order to optimize the setups and
very flexible and easy to integrate into a
in order to make sure the difference between
be satisfied with their convenience and
system. I think they were carefully designed
the individual samples is the result of the
effectiveness. Optimization can be done based
to meet researchers’ needs. For example, we
difference in the sample and not variances in
on the scale of your research or specifications
were impressed that individual tips of Tecan’s
the analysis procedure. MPS chose the Tecan
of the instruments involved.
sample processor detect liquid and dispense accurately into any kinds of vessel.”
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Proteomics
“MPS chose the Tecan Genesis Workstation since it proved to be able to carry out the inliquid digest process with the highest level of reliability and reproducibility.”
The flexibility of the Tecan Genesis Workstation has contributed to the success of the high throughput analysis system of Medical Proteoscope.
Dr. Nishimura added, “Although it is often
MPS’ systems were installed and setup
said that others can catch up with state-of-
was completed in May 2003 with final
the-art technology within five years, it is still
adjustments after that. All six systems
always possible to advance new technologies,
projects have now been launched, and the
which can lead to the next generation, if you
systems are waiting for full-scale operation.
keep on trying to foresee what is coming next
“The proteome is at the core of what makes
and improving your technologies and never
living things work. The protein molecules are
being content with the present status or
the most significant target molecules for
achievement.” This philosophy held by MPS
pathology and pharmacology at this time.
matched Tecan’s and allowed researchers
By focusing on the proteome, we believe we
and specialists in both organizations to
will be able to identify key proteins which
collaborate in developing new technology
can become target molecule biomarkers,”
based on the equipment to create an
said Dr. Nishimura.
excellent cutting edge system. This article was originally published on September 25 in Nikkei Science (November 2003 edition).
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New Products
Freedom EVO™ for Peptide Mass Finger-printing Sample Preparation
Digestion application on the worktable of Freedom EVO.
Important Proteomics applications are now
separated proteins for MS to identify new
The implementation of the protein digestion
implemented and will soon be available
or modified proteins.
and crystallization solutions on the Freedom
together with the benefits of Tecan’s new platform.
Tecan’s Freedom EVO represents an optimal platform for fully automated MS sample
In academic, biotech and pharmaceutical
preparation from digestion, extraction and
proteomics laboratories, there is a particular
purification of peptides from gel plugs up
need for efficient systems that automate the
to spotting onto a choice of MALDI target
process of preparation of proteins for mass
plates. The automation of the sample
spectrometry (MS) analysis. As a response
preparation process for MS on the Freedom
to this demand, Tecan had developed two
EVO provides a set of unique benefits:
automated solutions for MS sample
• The high precision of the Freedom EVO
preparation: a standard solution providing moderate preparation throughput and a high performance application for highest throughput demands, the so-called “Advanced Digest.” These well-proven solutions implemented on the Freedom EVO are giving proteomics customers access to all the benefits of this new platform. Protein digestion is used for preparing samples for MS. In a so-called peptide mass finger-printing method, a protein is digested by specific proteases into a unique set of
EVO platform signals a further important step in Tecan’s commitment to proteomics.
enables highest resolution sensitivity important for digestion applications. • The system is compatible with the market leading MS systems: e.g. ABI, Micromass, Bruker etc. • Direct spotting of samples onto MALDI target plates offering unmatched sample recovery (Advanced Digest only). • Throughput is scalable from medium to high. • Considerable time savings by relieving laboratory staff of repetitive tasks.
peptide fragments that can be detected
Protein crystallization is a second area
by MS and be used to identify the original
of proteomics with a growing demand for
protein from databases of modified proteins.
automated solutions. Tecan now also offers
The protein digestion approach has become
its well proven applications for crystallization
the most accepted methodology to prepare
on the new Freedom EVO platform.
Tecan Journal 3/2003
Spotting on a MALDI target plate.
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Clinical Diagnostics
In Vitro Diagnostic Directive: Tecan is Well Prepared to Assist You
Improving quality of results and safety for patients: automated tracking of bar-coded specimens by Pos-ID2 on the new Freedom EVO for Clinical Diagnostics.
Tecan has taken efforts to ensure that its
review of its Quality System. The directive
products for Clinical Diagnostics meet all
sets out to improve the safety, quality and
the safety and validation requirements of
effectiveness of diagnostic medical devices
• Sunrise: microplate reader.
the forthcoming IVD-Directive 98/79/EC
by applying the very latest standards in
• Columbus: microplate washer.
(IVD-D) of the European Union.
these areas. The directive also seeks to
• Magellan: Data reduction software.
improve the development, production and
• ProfiBlot: Blotting systems.
Performance, features, size and design are things that the customer can easily judge and compare when choosing an instrument. But the safety, quality and performance of an instrument are more sensitive issues that
applying directives that are intended to protect users and assure the quality of results generated by the in vitro diagnostics devices.
The IVD Directive Building on Tecan’s regularly audited ISO 9001 certification, first obtained in April 1994, Tecan has been preparing for the IVD-D with ISO13485 certification and a thorough
Clinical Diagnostics.
quality of after sales service for the customer. to encourage the free movement of goods
Tecan’s IVD-D compliant solutions for clinical diagnostics
that meet the highest safety standards.
Tecan is using its portfolio of IVD-D compliant
In addition, the IVD-D has been implemented
products and platforms to offer customers
are generally regulated by governmental bodies. The European Union (EU) is now
• Freedom EVO software for
Tecan’s IVD-D product portfolio for clinical diagnostics
the widest possible range of solutions for
To meet the requirements of the IVD
The flexibility and scalability of the Freedom
Directive, Tecan has strengthened its
EVO platform and its software mean that
broad portfolio of products and platforms.
Tecan will provide out-of-the-box solutions
Tecan’s IVD-compliant portfolio includes:
for Clinical Diagnostics such as:
• Freedom EVO™ platforms for Clinical
• Fully automated EIA processing
Diagnostics: Tecan’s flexible and scalable
diagnostic and other Life Science applications.
(Freedom EVOlyzer).
new series of IVD-D compliant robotic
• Sample distribution.
platforms.
• Blood typing.
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Clinical Diagnostics
Improving performance and user safety: Large safety panels and door locks are now standard features on the Freedom EVO. A continuous loading option permits the exchange of racks and carriers while the cover shields are closed and operation is in progress.
• Blood sample pooling. • Molecular diagnostic applications. In addition, the Freedom EVO platform enables Tecan to reconfigure components and leverage existing developments, thus bringing new and validated solutions rapidly to the market. Tecan’s IVD-D compliant solutions will be on display at the MEDICA 2003 trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany (19-22 November 2003).
New meaning of CE mark for clinical diagnostics Products that meet the requirements of the IVD-D will be able to display the CE mark for conformity with the regulations. The CE mark will ensure customers worldwide that Tecan products are developed, produced and documented according to the new EU Directive.
In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79/EC (IVD-D) Background: • First published as Directive 98/79/EC on December 7, 1998. • Implementation of the Directive into national legislation. • After December 7, 2003: Only products, which are CE marked according to the IVD-D may be put into distribution. • All IVD devices put into distribution before December 7, 2003, and which do not comply with the provisions of the IVD Directive must be put into service before December 7, 2005. Purpose: • Harmonize European regulations for in vitro diagnostics. • Ensure safety, quality and efficacy of diagnostic medical devices. • Improve development, production and after sales services. • Free movement of goods within the EU.
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Clinical Diagnostics
Freedom EVO™ for Clinical Diagnostics
Based on its considerable experience in laboratory automation, Tecan now offers a new series of IVD-D compliant robotic platforms.
Tecan’s new IVD-D compliant platform
Freedom to evolve
concept provides access to automated
Freedom EVO is an open platform for
Freedom EVO for clinical diagnostics offers unique features:
solutions with the highest possible safety
many clinical diagnostic applications. The
• Customizable workspace that can be
and performance standards
new series offers deck sizes of 75, 100, 150
adapted to the need of the clinical and
Tecan implemented its automated liquid
and 200cm that allow choosing the optimal
blood bank laboratory for different assay
handling solutions for clinical diagnostics on
instrument for your laboratory space and
its next generation of automation platforms
throughput requirements. Tecan will focus
– the resulting product is Freedom EVO for
on implementing new technologies and
Clinical Diagnostics. The new series of IVD-D
features to allow new applications and to
compliant robotic platforms builds on
evolve the quality, safety and performance of
with a range of disposable tips sizes and
Tecan’s considerable experience in laboratory
the Freedom EVO in the clinical diagnostics
fixed tips that guarantee optimal liquid
automation.
and blood bank environment. Diagnostic
handling performance. Freedom EVO
customers worldwide therefore will have
even allows combinations of different
Tecan’s Freedom EVO platform and IVD compliance
access to the very latest IVD-D compliant
The Freedom EVO has been designed
sample distribution, blood typing, blood
to comply with to the new In Vitro
sample pooling and molecular diagnostics.
solutions for applications such as EIA processing,
requirements. • Liquid handling arm with 4 or 8 tips with integrated liquid detection. • The Liquid handling arm can be operated
tip configurations. • In sensitive applications the optional low disposable tip eject helps to prevent contamination. • Up to eight XP Smart dilutors.
Diagnostics Directive of the European
• Automated tracking of bar-coded
be marked with a CE label that declares
Implementing the latest safety features
the conformity of the Instrument with this
A range of features that offer improved user
• Fully integrated status lamp showing the
important new directive. Building on its
safety support the Freedom EVO platform.
well-established ISO 9001 Quality management
Bigger sized safety panels and door locks are
system, Tecan Schweiz AG, manufacturing
now standard features of the Freedom EVO.
site of the Freedom EVO, has also recently
A continuous loading option permits the
been certified according to EN ISO 13485.
exchange of racks and carriers while the
The objective of our efforts is to provide high
cover shields are closed and operation is in
quality and safe instruments to our customers.
progress. Simultaneously the associated
Available from 2004:
loading interface monitors user access to
• Liquid handling arm with 2 tips with
Community (IVD-D; 98/79 EC). It will therefore
the worktable.
specimens by Pos-ID2. operational status of the instrument. • Large safety panel and doorlocks allows safe operation of the system. • Easy accessible pause/resume button at the front of the instrument.
integrated liquid detection.
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Clinical Diagnostics
Tecan’s Freedom EVO for Clinical Diagnostics and Freedom EVOlyzer will be on display at the MEDICA 2003 trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany (19-22 November 2003) Blood typing application on Freedom EVO.
• Optional Loading Interface for continuous loading and monitoring of operator interaction. • Optional robotic manipulator arm for plate transport.
Easy-to-use software for operation of Freedom EVO Tecan’s Freedom EVO is supported by two comprehensive easy-to-use software packages.
Freedom EVOlyzer - IVD-D compliant, fully automated EIA processing The Freedom EVOlyzer is Tecan’s new Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) analyzer offering fully automated microplate processing. Freedom EVOlyzer is a dedicated EVO platform for reliable EIA Processing and includes state of the art reader, washer and incubation units operated by the new specific EVOlyzer software. The Freedom EVOlyzer will be available in four sizes - 75, 100, 150, 200 - ideal for low to high throughput and various batch size requirements. Continuous loading and parallel sample pipetting as new features improve throughput and allow efficient utilization as well as optimal scheduling of laboratory tasks. Communication with the laboratory LIMS and flexible worklist management is easily
The new Freedom EVO software for Clinical
performed via an integrated ASTM (American Society for Testing of Materials) interface.
Diagnostics delivers a new standard for
The Freedom EVOlyzer 100 and 150 will be released as first instruments of the new series
managing liquid handling in the laboratory.
with new and powerful software early in 2004.
Designed to meet the requirements of the IVD-D, the new software allows safe and easy
Application. Microplate based assays have a wide range of applications, ranging from
operation of routine tasks, whilst effectively
blood bank laboratories to hospitals, reference and veterinary laboratories. Designed as
documenting the process execution. Software
an open system, the Freedom EVOlyzer allows automation of commercially available EIAs.
user management allows skilled and trained
Tecan offers courses to train technical personal and supervisors in operation and set up
operators to setup new processes and to
of processes to secure reliable and IVD-D compliant operation of the instrument. Validated
document validation of protocols by elec-
protocols can be protected against unauthorized modifications to enable the safety and
tronic signatures to protect your protocols
security of operators and patients.
from unauthorized modifications. Tecan’s well-accepted and sample oriented Logic software for routine tasks in the laboratory can now also be used with the Freedom EVO. It provides known performance to the users and allows a smooth integration of the new Freedom EVO platform. Work listing and report files are unchanged to previous Logic versions to keep differences as small as possible. Tecan Journal 3/2003
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Events
Tecan on the Road Preview on Conferences and Trade Shows 2003 and 2004 Date
Event
Location
Medica
Düsseldorf
www.medica.de
SPS 2003 Congress
Basel
www.fontismedia.com/ext/sps03
Annual Meeting of the Molecular
Kobe
wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/mbsj/index-e.html
International Biotech & Europe LabAutomation
London
www.labautomationeurope.com
AABB
San Diego, CA
Germany: 19-22 November Switzerland: 2-4 December Japan: 10-13 December
Biology Society of Japan UK: 25-26 November North America: 1-4 November
www.aabb.org/Professionals/ Professional_Development/ Annual_Meeting/annual_mtg.htm
2-4 February 2004
LabAutomation
San Jose, CA
www.labautomation.org
8-11 March 2004
Pittcon
Chicago, IL
www.pittcon.org
8-13 August 2004
Drug Discovery Technology
Boston, MA
www.drugdisc.com
Always up to date: http://www.tecan.com/index/com-ev-entry.htm
Freedom EVO™ was the Star at this Year’s AACC and DDT Tecan had a major presence at AACC 2003, the pre-eminent industry meeting for clinical diagnostics from 20 to 24 July 2003 in Philadelphia (MA). Two new products were showcased at the company’s booth including a new Tube Inspection Unit, TIU for the Genesis FE500 Workcell, and the launch of Freedom EVO, a platform for a number of solutions in Clinical Diagnostics, which meets worldwide regulatory requirements. Drug Discovery Technology (DDT), a leading annual industry meeting, in Boston (MA) from 10 to 15 August 2003 also saw several new Tecan solutions. New automation technologies including The new Freedom EVO platform was one of
Freedom EVO and an animated video presentation of its corresponding control management
the highlights on the Tecan booth at this
software, Freedom EVOware, were showcased together with GENios Pro with injectors.
year’s AACC.
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New Products
A new level of precision in parallel pipetting: Tecan’s 384-channel head The new 384-channel pipetting head allows a broad volume range and high precision dispensing required for increasing throughput of many applications in drug discovery, genomics and proteomics. Uniquely, the pipetting head features a liquid-filled system enabling superior precision, even at low volumes, as well as a new efficient washing system. The 384-channel pipetting head allows fast, accurate and reliable sample dispensing of volumes from 200 nl to 50 µl. Due to the lower compressibility of liquid compared to air, the fluid-filled head offers an outstanding pipetting precision over a wide range of volumes. To minimize cross contamination during pipetting, a highly efficient washing process has been introduced that uses the system liquid and an active wash station. The system liquid is used to wash the inner surface of the pipetting needle while the outer surface is washed by the wash station. The result is a wash performance that meets the requirements of applications with the highest possible standards of purity. The 384-channel head is compatible with both smaller and larger automated pipetting systems, including Tecan’s bench top multi pipetting system, the Aquarius; the Te-MO family of multichannel pipettors on Genesis and Freedom EVO; and larger automated systems using rail-based articulated robots (TRAC system).
Two new disposable troughs for reagents Tecan pays attention to every detail in the development of laboratory solutions that allow you to carry out your pipetting tasks more efficiently. Our new disposable polypropylene troughs for reagents hold a nominal reagent volume of 100 ml and come in either natural (transparent) or, for light sensitive reagents, grey polypropylene. The natural disposable troughs are certified DNA and DNase/RNase free, do not contain any PCR-inhibitors and are free of ATP, pyrogens and are sterile. The bottom of the disposable trough with its new more acute bevel angle serves to reduce the residual volume. Scaling on the wall of the new troughs is divided into 10 ml steps from 10 ml up to 100 ml.
Masthead Tecan Journal Customer Magazine of Tecan Group Ltd. ISSN 1660-5276
Design, Editing and Layout: Northbank Communications Meadowside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton CW12 1DN, UK E-Mail: s.platz@northbankcommunications.com
Circulation: 8,700 copies (German), 10,400 copies (English)
Pre-Press and Printing: DAZ Druckerei Albisrieden AG Grafische Dienstleistungen, Albisriederstrasse 252a, CH-8047 Zürich
Publisher: Tecan Group Ltd.
Copyright: All rights are reserved by Tecan Journal
Editor: Dr. Josef Syfrig
Photos and Illustrations: Tecan Germany GmbH, Tecan Group Ltd, Northbank Communications
Address: Tecan Group Ltd., Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Männedorf, Switzerland Tel: +41 1 922 88 88 Fax: +41 1 922 88 90 E-Mail: josef.syfrig@tecan.com Internet: http://www.tecan.com
Typography: Type set in Thesis from LucasFonts Subscription: For a free subscription to Tecan Journal, please contact your nearest sales office (see back cover of this issue) or send an e-mail to: tecan@tecan.com
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Designed for safe liquid handling
Some solutions can be simple. If you’re looking for flexibility and scalability over a wide range of clinical diagnostic applications, but need to keep safety at the top of your priorities, the solution is simple. The new Freedom EVO for Clinical Diagnostics has been designed for automated applications, such as sample distribution, blood typing, blood pooling, molecular diagnostics and, with the Freedom EVOlyzer, fully automated ELISA processing. Available in four sizes from 75 to 200 cm in length, Freedom EVO for Clinical Diagnostics offers standard safety features, such as an integrated status lamp, large safety panels and doorlocks. Additional features, like an optional loading interface with monitoring of operator interaction and a sophisticated barcode scanning device top this comprehensive solution off. To put your mind at rest, full compliance with the EU-IVD directive guarantees that, whatever your applications, you’ll do them safely. And, of course, with Tecan quality and reliability comes as standard.
Genomics • Proteomics • Drug Discovery • Clinical Diagnostics For more information please visit www.tecan.com/freedomevoclinical or call your nearest Tecan office Austria +43 62 46 89 33 Belgium +32 15 42 13 19 Denmark +45 70 23 44 50 France +33 1 30 68 81 50 Germany +49 79 51 94 170 Italy +39 02 215 21 28 Japan +81 42 334 88 55 Netherlands +31 18 34 48 17 4 Portugal +351 21 000 82 16 Singapore +65 644 41 886 Spain + 34 93 490 01 74 Sweden +46 31 75 44 000 Switzerland +41 1 922 89 22 UK +44 118 9300 300 USA +1 919 361 5200 Other +43 62 46 89 33