Leading capabilities for peptide de novo sequencing, the analysis of post-translational modifications and even top-down protein primary structure determination are available
Bruker Daltonics announces the Ultraflex II Maldi-Tof and Tof/Tof mass spectrometer, which it says offers major advancements in the sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy of Tof/Tof systems for expression proteomics, quantitative proteomics and biomarker discovery.
Leading capabilities for peptide de novo sequencing, the analysis of post-translational modifications and even top-down protein primary structure determination are available on the Ultraflex II.
It promises next-generation Maldi-Tof and Maldi-Tof/Tof performance for both peptides and proteins.
It benefits from innovations based on the proven modular design concept of the Flex series with its upgradability from Tof to Tof/Tof operation.
Novel features of the ultraflex II include: more than an order of magnitude improvements in MS and MS/MS sensitivity; proprietary panoramic Pan technology for outstanding MS mass resolution over a very broad mass range measured under unchanged instrument conditions, ie, suitable for full automation.
Pan provides resolving power values from 10,000 to 25,000 for peptides in the 800 to 6000 Dalton mass range.
This panoramic MS resolution yields better protein sequence coverage and higher success rates of protein identification, says Bruker Daltonics.
T3-sequencing capability allows top-down sequence analysis on many intact proteins with ease; significant improvements in Tof/Tof mass resolution; tunable laser speed from 1-200Hz for high-throughput analysis as well as for sensitive detection of labile protein modifications; the Ultraflex II can be used with the new Prespotted AnchorChip targets in industry-standard microtitre plate (MTP) format.
These novel disposable Maldi targets are the next generation of the AnchorChip technology.
They are said to provide the highest sensitivity and most reliable sample preparation without the risk of any cross-contamination that is inherent to reusable targets. With its pre-spotted matrix surface and calibrant spots, the Prespotted AnchorChip represents a new level of user-friendliness, and uncompromising reliability in Maldi-Tof(/Tof) sample preparation, says Bruker.
Prespotted AnchorChips are particularly convenient for LC-Maldi applications.
The Ultraflex II can be fully integrated into Bruker Daltonics Proteineer expression proteomics system for peptide mass fingerprinting, peptide fragment analysis and post-translational modifications (PTM) analysis.
Beyond the original gel-based Proteineer, the additional Proteineer-LC solution supports LC-Maldi workflows.
All the Proteineer solutions include robotics, consumables and bioinformatics to meet highest demands in proteomics routine analysis and research. For LC-Maldi experiments, the Ultraflex II utilises the unique, intelligent Warp-LC processes for the automated results-dependent generation of high-information content results.
In the Warp-LC process, quantitative expression proteomics experiments with stable isotope labelling techniques for complex or multiplexed samples, as well as label-free quantitative proteomics workflows are supported.
Another innovation in quantitative proteomics is the two-dimensional peptide imaging of tissues, called Maldi Imaging.
Maldi imaging with Bruker Daltonics's Fleximaging software is now an optional, fully supported feature of the Ultraflex II.
Moreover, the Ultraflex II can also be fully integrated into the Bruker Daltonics ClinProt clinical proteomics solution for high-resolution peptide and protein biomarker discovery, Tof/Tof biomarker identification and robust, reproducible large-scale biomarker validation (for research use only).
The Ultraflex II is operated under Compass software for easy data handling.
Compass integrates seamlessly with the most comprehensive proteomics software suite in the industry, including ProteinScape, which was officially selected by the Hupo HBPP (Human brain proteome project) as a standard bioinformatics tool.
The Compass Security Pack option for pharmaceutical customers includes audit trails, user management, results history, electronic signatures, and data security to support customers in achieving 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
The PharmaTools suite for customers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries is said to ensure high reliability and uptime, excellent training, service and support, and vendor assistance for operating the Ultraflex II in regulated environments.
PharmaTools offers the validation products IQ (installation qualification) and OQ/PV (operational qualification and performance verification).
These products increase productivity by ensuring consistent performance of the instruments over time.
