Matrix Microscience introduced the fully automated Pathatrix Auto to an audience of scientists at the IAFP 96th Annual Meeting, in Grapevine, Texas on 12 July 2009.
The Pathatrix Auto uses a high-volume immuno-magenetic separation method for rapidly detecting a range of pathogens and spoilage organisms from a range of complex sample matrices.
Using paramagnetic particles, either antibody coated or electronically charged, Pathatrix selectively binds and concentrates the target organism from a range of complex matrices found in food, environmental and bio-threat samples.
Pathatrix analyses large sample-volumes by re-circulating the entire sample over a capture phase where the paramagnetic particles have been immobilised.
The target organisms are captured by the beads then cleaned and concentrated automatically by Pathatrix.
The purified organisms are then available for analysis by a wide variety of detection methods, for example direct selective agar plates, PCR, lateral flow or Elisa.
Pathatrix is fully automatic and can be operated at the push of a button, with a 15-minute run time; it provides a high sample-throughput of 150 samples an hour; it has a high-volume sample of 10-60ml for common protocols; and it can be operated with minimal training.
