Third patent granted

NextGen Sciences, a provider of automated solutions for protein research, has announced that it has been granted its third patent to protect the novel fluid dispensing system used extensively in the company's newly launched technologies.

The proprietary systems were designed at NextGen Sciences to be robust, accurate and yet simple to manufacture.

The success of the design has meant that this core technology building is now incorporated into the company's products, the a2DE and the Expressionfactory. NextGen Sciences's a2DE system is said to be the first technology to fully automate 2D-gel electrophoresis.

The fluid dispensers provide the smooth and precise flow rate required for automated gel casting, enabling second dimension separation of protein samples without user intervention.

To improve protein separation and spot resolution, the a2DE pours both gradient and homogenous gels.

The user may specify gel gradient profiles between 4-20% acrylamide.

The IP is also exploited by Expressionfactory, which automates protein expression.

Following expression, the system uses automated affinity chromatography to purify the expressed protein from the cell mixture.

A bank of dispensers is employed to blend the buffers required for the creation of the affinity columns and to then purify the proteins. The patent (patent number GB-2 385 096), is the third to have been granted to NextGen Sciences since the company was founded in 2000.

"This patent further underlines our strategy to develop and provide novel technologies for protein research", says David Wigley, director of operations and company co-founder.

"Following the launch of the a2DE and Expressionfactory in August last year, this patent adds to the momentum we have built in successfully commercialising our technologies.

"We are extremely pleased to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio, especially at a time when we are beginning to ship product."