Protein identification system integrates instrumentation, sofware, columns and method protocols to help biomedical researchers identify more proteins with greater confidence
Agilent Technologies has introduced an advanced liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) system for proteomics (protein research) and pharmaceutical applications.
The Agilent protein identification solution integrates instrumentation, sofware, columns and method protocols into a complete system for sensitive and confident identification of proteins and biomarkers.
The solution offers exceptional ease of setup and operation and is designed for nonexpert users, such as biologists and biomedical researchers.
"Mass spectrometry is one of the most specific and selective detection techniques available, but its complexity has limited its use in the general research community," said Fran DiNuzzo, vice president and general manager of Agilent's integrated biology solutions unit. "With this integrated solution, we have brought the power of mass spectrometry out of the core MS labs and into the hands of the general biologist.
"This system's unprecedented ease of use and performance will allow researchers to spend less time learning to operate and troubleshoot their tools and more time solving their biology problems".
The Agilent protein identification solution includes a comprehensive manual of optimised method protocols for each step of the MS-based proteomics workflow, from sample preparation to data analysis and reporting.
The protocols cover chemistry procedures, LC conditions and MS parameters and provide step-by-step instructions to help nonexpert users easily set up and run their analyses.
As no single workflow is best for all analyses, the modular protocols can be mixed and matched depending on customer preference, sample number and complexity, available equipment, and the information needed from each sample.
The solution includes a startup support agreement to ensure speedy customer learning of method protocols.
Based on the Agilent 1100 series LC platform, the new solution features a nanoflow pump and valve system, and columns that are optimised to work at the extremely low flow rates required for proteomics applications.
The LC system provides extremely stable and accurate flow control at nanoliter flow rates, resulting in more stable ion generation for higher MS sensitivity and better protein identification.
The system automatically compensates for partial blockages or back-pressure changes, and displays real-time information on flow rate and pressure to simplify troubleshooting.
This protein identification solution is available with the new Agilent 1100 series XCT Plus ion trap mass spectrometer or the original Agilent 1100 series XCT ion trap.
Both mass spectrometers incorporate multipole ion trap geometry and improved manufacturing processes to provide outstanding sensitivity, mass range and resolution.
They also feature a fast peptide scan mode that identifies more unique peptides and reduces the chance of missed peptide peaks, which allows more comprehensive identification of proteins from complex peptide digest mixtures. For fast MS data analysis, Agilent offers the Agilent Spectrum Mill MS proteomics workbench as an optional component of the solution.
The workbench processes MS data up to ten times faster than alternative approaches, while greatly reducing false positive and false negative results for reliable protein identification.
The Agilent protein identification solution is available for order now.
