Tecan has recently developed the QuadChamber for fully automated processing of four different microarrays simultaneously on one slide, using the HS Pro automated hybridization station. The QuadChamber was specially developed for use with Agilent's new 4 x 44k 4-Plex Gene Expression as well as CGH Microarrays, which consist of four individual, whole-genome microarrays printed on a single glass slide. This represents the first fully automated system that can independently handle four arrays on one slide with no cross-contamination between the arrays, and it will be presented by Tecan and Agilent at the American Society of Human Genetics meeting in San Diego, CA, on 23-27 October 2007.
The QuadChamber provides a completely sealed environment around each of the four arrays on Agilent's 4-Plex slides, with independent channels for wash buffers, independent agitation mechanisms and drying for each of the four areas. With the new chamber, the HS Pro fully automates the hybridization of the arrays from start to finish while maintaining separate compartments around each array on the slide. The system ensures high quality processing with minimal slide handling, excellent reproducibility and bubble-free hybridization through Tecan's unique active bubble suppression (ABS) technology. Shipping of the QuadChamber has already begun.
Agilent's 4-Plex Microarrays concentrate sample hybridization, so provide enhanced sensitivity and allow the detection of even very low abundance transcripts. Having four arrays on each slide allows researchers to generate more genomics data per experiment while considerably reducing the required volumes of samples and reagents.
"Agilent and Tecan have worked closely together to develop a fully-automated solution that provides high quality data and consistently good results," said Jeff McMillan, Agilent product manager, Genomics Automation. "Now, customers can combine the economies of four microarrays per slide with the benefits of automated hybridization."
For more information about Tecan, please contact: Tecan Group Ltd. Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Mannedorf Switzerland T +41 44 922 81 11, F +41 44 922 81 12 info@tecan.com, www.tecan.com For more information about Agilent Technologies, please contact: Agilent Technologies, Inc. 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard Santa Clara, California 95051, USA Stuart Matlow T +1 408 553 7191
About Tecan
Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global supplier of solutions for the biopharma, forensic and diagnostic industries. The company is a leader in the development, production and distribution of advanced automation and detection solutions for the world's leading life science laboratories. Through its REMP subsidiary (www.remp.com), Tecan is the premier supplier of large-scale automated laboratory storage and logistics systems. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has over 1100 employees, owns production, research and development sites in both North America and Europe and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2006, Tecan achieved sales of CHF 405.9 million (USD 324.7 million; EUR 258.6 million). Shares of the Tecan Group are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/Valor: 1210019).
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.0 billion in fiscal year 2006. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
