PHOENIX, Ariz. – A new automated sample preparation system based on Tecan’s Freedom EVO® 200 liquid handling platform has been developed for proteomic biomarker discovery and validation in collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University.

The fully automated, integrated, high-throughput system is a key tool in the research institutes’ goal of establishing an industrial-scale biomarker validation facility.

The platform can prepare nearly 1,000 samples in less than 24 hours in the SISCAPA (Stable Isotope Standards with Capture by Anti-Peptide Antibody) workflow, from receiving samples in cryovials, to eluting selected peptides into 96-well plates ready for analysis by mass spectrometry.

The scientific leadership for the integrated system specification and multi-vendor competition included: Dr. Konstantinos Petritis (TGen); and Dr. Mark Holl and Dr. Deirdre Meldrum (Biodesign Institute).

“During biomarker discovery, we work with 20 to 100 samples but, once we have identified potential biomarkers, verification and clinical validation must be performed, where the challenge is to process hundreds, perhaps thousands, of samples,” said Dr. Petritis, Associate Professor and Laboratory Head at TGen’s Center for Proteomics.

“One of Tecan’s greatest strengths was undoubtedly the ease with which it seamlessly brought everything together. Sample preparation is a critical yet extremely long, multi-stage and labor-intensive process that must be performed reproducibly. The Tecan system is a comprehensive and flexible proteomic sample preparation platform that successfully integrates and controls many different modules from a range of vendors.”

About Tecan

Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory instruments and solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics, and clinical diagnostics. The company specializes in the development, production and distribution of instruments and automated workflow solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. As an original equipment manufacturer, Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments and components that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2009, Tecan generated sales of CHF 392 million (USD 361.2 million; EUR 259.6 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/ ISIN CH0012100191). To find out more about Tecan’s Freedom EVO liquid handling platform, visit www.tecan.com

About the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

The Biodesign Institute addresses today’s critical global challenges in healthcare, sustainability and security by developing solutions inspired from natural systems and translating those solutions into commercially viable products and clinical practices. www.biodesign.asu.edu.

About TGen

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.