Whatman/Schleicher and Schuell's nitrocellulose-coated Fast slides, the industry-leading surface for protein microarray assays, enables comprehensive protein analysis using a single serum sample
Whatman/Schleicher and Schuell announced in August 2005 a partnership with Privates Institut fur Immunologie und Molekulargenetik (IIM), a premier German laboratory that specialises in autoimmune and other clinical diagnostic assays, to develop, manufacture and distribute a protein biochip for autoimmune disease diagnosis.
Unlike modified glass surfaces, the three-dimensional microporous structure of Fast Slides provides a much larger surface area for protein immobilisation that translates to higher binding capacities and higher sensitivity of detection.
"The Fast slides turned out to be an excellent surface for autoimmune diagnostic assays, and the protein microarray expertise of the Whatman/Schleicher and Schuell team was instrumental in developing this powerful diagnostic tool," said Appelhans, general manager at IIM.
"This chip will enable our laboratories to measure the presence of autoantibodies to various autoantigens associated with different collagenosis and vasculititis-related autoimmune diseases from a single serum sample.
"In addition to saving time, the biochip will generate a more complete autoimmune disease profile that will allow physicians to make a better diagnosis".
Expected to launch at the end of 2005, this diagnostic assay product is currently being validated to ensure compliance with the CE guidelines for in-vitro diagnostics.
"IIM's proficiency in the clinical diagnosis of autoimmune diseases has contributed exponentially to our efforts to bring emerging protein microarray technology to the clinical diagnostic market," said Jens Beator, project manager at Whatman/Schleicher and Schuell.
"Our collaboration with Prof Seelig and Dr Appelhans has produced a result that will add substantial expediency and effectiveness to the routine clinical diagnosis of common autoimmune diseases."
