The launch of SPR-Navi provides applications researchers with fast and reliable SPR characterization of molecular interactions and novel surfaces Helsinki, Finland, March 31, 2008 – KSV Instruments Ltd. (KSV), part of the Biolin group of companies (Biolin AB, Malmö, Sweden), today announced the introduction of SPR-Navi, a flexible, high-sensitivity system for surface-based molecular interaction analysis. The new system will be officially released at the American Chemical Society Meeting in New Orleans, LA, USA, April 6-10, 2008 (booth #1346). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive surface characterization technique that allows in situ determination of surface confined molecular interactions. SPR-Navi fills the existing gap between the technically challenging but powerful general optical instruments (ellipsometers) and devices designed specifically to measure molecular interaction affinity. The versatility of the system means that it is ideally suited to a wide range of applications, from optimization of biomaterial coatings to biosensor development, and from lipid monolayer studies to specific label-free biomolecular interactions. SPR-Navi allows researchers to quickly generate the high quality, reliable data they need with a minimal startup time. The convenient and open platform provides researchers with both flexibility and control. Simple metal-coated glass slides, which are optimal for custom surface modification, are easily and quickly mounted in the instrument. The optical prism is coupled to the surface via a groundbreaking optical gel, avoiding the potential contamination problems associated with the use of index matching oils. High performance liquid handling means flow rates and sample volumes are precisely controlled. Two separate measurement channels are available, allowing simultaneous reference or duplicate measurement. A wide angular range (40-80°) allows measurement in both air and liquid, providing the possibility for quality checks on modified surfaces before injecting valuable liquid samples. Additionally, simple measurement of SPR curves over a wide angular range opens the door to the study of new and potentially superior metal coatings. SPR-Navi is the fruit of almost 20 years of cutting edge research at the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), providing users with measurement confidence. By commercializing SPR-Navi, KSV has made this exciting technology available to the world’s interfacial science research community via sales and support in Finland and North America, and trained representatives in over 50 countries. Ready-made surfaces and chemicals for surface modification, as well as a full range of accessories will be available from KSV. Sauli Törmälä, President and CEO at KSV Instruments, said “SPR-Navi represents perfectly our core values, where the user’s interest is of prime importance. This is obvious not only in performance and flexibility, but also ease of use and short startup times, ensuring that students and lab staff can easily manage the instrument without help. We are sure that for these reasons, SPR-Navi will offer many great new insights to researchers in all fields where surface-confined molecular analysis is important.” In addition to the American Chemical Society Meeting, SPR-Navi will be on show at the Biosensors Congress, Shanghai, China, May 14-16 and the Biomaterials Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, May 28-June 1, 2008. Additional information about SPR-Navi can be found on the SPR-Navi website (www.ksvltd.com/content/sprnavi). For a high-resolution image, please contact Ben Routley ([email protected]) About KSV Instruments Ltd. Founded in 1988, KSV Instruments now supplies globally the widest available range of instruments and solutions for interfacial preparation and analysis, from research and innovation, to industrial quality and process control. The two main product categories are Monolayer Science and Tensiometry. The Monolayer Science category includes devices for nanoscale monolayer preparation and analysis (so-called Langmuir-Blodgett devices) and advanced instruments for physical and chemical characterization of nanoscale interfacial films. These devices find application in advanced scientific research environments ranging from the Life Sciences to Materials Science. The tensiometry product line provides mass-, pressure- and optical-based solutions for measurement of surface/interfacial tension, contact angle and solid surface free energy. With application areas ranging from pharmaceuticals to semiconductors, KSV supplies both flexible instruments for the research environment, and custom-designed solutions for industrial applications. KSV provides sales and support via Biolin Inc. in North America, and a fully trained distribution network in the rest of the world. www.ksvltd.com