NanoInk launches configured protein array kit from its Nano BioDiscovery Division

Feb 2 2010

NanoInk, Inc.®, a global leader in nanotechnology, is pleased to announce the launch of its first completely configured protein array kit from its Nano BioDiscovery™ Division. Based on the patented Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) platform, NanoInk's fluorescent assays enable nanoscale detection of clinically relevant proteins. The inaugural Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay pairs the power of DPN®-deposited protein arrays with a user-friendly protocol that can be conducted on the lab bench without any special instrumentation. DPN provides a biologically friendly nanoscale method of fabricating arrays without splashing, which can lead to increased background noise, and without subjecting molecules to sheer forces which may disrupt biological function. Additional assays being developed for launch this year will target proteins implicated in various disease states and toxicological responses.

Bruce Dudzik, NanoInk's Senior Director for Business Development, explained that the Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay is a miniaturized immunoassay capable of simultaneously evaluating multiple biomarkers in a single sub-array. This multiplex assay measures a panel of 10 cytokines: IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IFNgamma and TNFalpha, plus a positive and a negative control. The Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay kit includes nanoarrays of analyte-specific antibodies and controls deposited on 1" x 3" modified glass slides. Each slide is composed of 18 sub-arrays, with 48 features per sub-array. Twelve different features (each printed in quadruplicate) are represented within each 48-feature sub-array. Feature size is less than 5µ. The Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay kit also contains all reagents, buffers, standards, and slide holders necessary to perform the assay and a detailed, validated user guide. Result detection is accomplished offline using existing high-resolution fluorescent scanners or microscopes.

"The Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay will achieve sensitivity as low as the femtogram/ml range. Because DPN technology is capable of depositing highly reproducible, submicron protein features in each sub-array, this assay can deliver unmatched assay sensitivity even with the smallest of sample sizes. Just as importantly, the Human Inflammation Cytokine Assay empowers multi-parallel, high throughput analysis. NanoInk will continue to lead the way in multiplex protein studies, with our line of assay kits and contract research services," added Dudzik.

The Nano BioDiscovery Division provides a new generation of array-based instrument systems, assay kits, and contract services for nanoscale protein detection. By combing DPN nanofabrication technology with optimized substrates and next-generation detection systems for a total system solution, Nano BioDiscovery helps its customers address major proteomic challenges.