New automated sample preparation system developed for proteomic biomarker discovery and validation

Jun 24 2011

Key tool will aid goal of establishing an industrial-scale biomarker validation facility

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."

Source: The Translational Genomics Research Institute