The new NovaRay detection platform from Alpha Innotech (AIC), a provider of innovative imaging solutions for a wide range of life science applications, is now available from GRI
This new product is designed to address the growing number of applications in the microarray market, including multiplexed arrays (few targets - many samples) for high throughput analysis of DNA.
NovaRay can also be used to perform protein and cell arrays for microplates and on other substrates.
The multiplexed array platform can be used for a number of applications including high throughput screening, diagnostics, and personalised medicine NovaRay offers the flexibility to easily and cost-effectively make frequent changes in substrate and choose from a broad selection of dyes.
The NovaRay system has been specially designed as an imaging platform for a wide range of array applications in the fields of genomics, proteomics and cell based assays.
The NovaRay detection platform is configured to scan microplates in the standard SBS 96-well format, and has the capability to image from one to four slides at a time.
NovaRay offers dye flexibility that enables quick and cost-effective evaluation of emerging dyes for a broad range of applications.
All systems come with eight-position excitation and emission filter wheels enabling multiplexing capability unmatched in the microarray market.
The excitation filter wheel configuration provided with the standard system is two filter sets (Cy3 and Cy5).
Other filter sets are available, expanding the range of applications possible with the NovaRay system.
The broadband white light source utilised in NovaRay combined with the alternative filter sets provides the ability to excite a broad range of fluorescent molecules.
The NovaRay utilises the patent-pending Well-Centric method of data acquisition for imaging of arrays in microtitre plates and slides.
Well-Centric imaging eliminates the need for stitching in the well.
This feature results in fast scan times, enables scanning of live cells (in liquid media) allowing time course studies and enables single-cell detection.
NovaRay will also be available with an optional advanced software package to support the image analysis requirements of NovaRay users.
Alpha Innotech has over thirteen years of experience in CCD imaging technology.
This expertise has been applied to the NovaRay Detection System.
"The greatest benefit of using a 2D CCD sensor is the ability to acquire several million pixels simultaneously.
"In contrast, the detection methods commonly used in array scanners acquire only one pixel at a time until a full image is produced.
"By detecting emissions over a larger area simultaneously, the NovaRay Detection System can achieve faster acquisition rates.
"Other characteristics of the CCD, such as high quantum efficiency, low noise, and deep well capacity, are also well suited for array imaging applications," observed Diping Che, VP of research and development at Alpha Innotech.
"NovaRay is our response to customers looking for a flexible and scalable system for detection of multiplexed arrays and cell based assays.
"We hope this system will accelerate discovery in target validation and functional genomics," said Haseeb Chaudhry, CEO of Alpha Innotech.
The unique imaging capabilities and integrated technologies engineered into NovaRay will address a broad range of applications in today's market as well as emerging market segments.
"These abilities will allow us to be a leader in the array imaging markets as we have been in the gel imaging segment," added Lewis Chapman, VP of global sales and marketing for Alpha Innotech.
GRI's teams of sales executives will promote, supply and support NovaRay with immediate effect within the UK, France and Ireland.
