Novel technology offers researchers a revolutionary new approach to automatic protein processing, identification and characterisation
Shimadzu Biotech and Proteome Systems report that their jointly developed chemical inkjet printer (Chip 1000) has been selected as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace over the past year.
The R and D 100 award was bestowed by an independent judging panel and editors of R and D Magazine, in what was highlighted as a very competitive year of nominations.
The novel Chip technology offers researchers a revolutionary new approach to automatic protein processing, identification and characterisation.
Developed jointly by Shimadzu Biotech and Proteome Systems with financial support from the Australian Government's Start programme, the Chip is described as a unique technology platform for executing micro-scale on-membrane chemistry that will have widespread applications in biomedical research and biomarker discovery.
"This award is an exciting accomplishment for our joint development program with Proteome Systems" said Tetsuo Ichikawa, chairman of Shimadzu Biotech.
"Shimadzu Biotech has enjoyed the opportunity of working with Proteome Systems and the quality of the outcome of our efforts is evidenced in being selected for the R and D 100 Award.
"Shimadzu is very proud".
The newly released Chip 1000 employs state-of-the-art piezoelectric drop-on-demand ink-jet technology developed by MicroFab Technologies in USA, enabling microdispensing of biochemicals and reagents on just a fraction of the protein purified by electrophoresis.
This allows further study on the remainder of the protein, which could prove invaluable for precious samples such as clinical biopsies and related samples.
The Chip 1000 represents the first product to use the technology described in Proteome Systems's recently granted US patent, Method for analysing samples of biomolecules in an array.
Andrew Gooley, chief scientific officer of Proteome Systems and inventor of the Chip technology commented, "the award is indeed a very proud moment for Proteome Systems. "Our team developed the Chip prototype in Sydney and then worked with Shimadzu towards the commercial release of the Chip 1000.
"Partnering with a quality scientific instrument manufacturer such as Shimadzu has been a very rewarding experience for our company".
The prestigious R and D 100 Awards have been presented annually for 42 years.
The winning of an R and D 100 Award provides a mark of excellence known to industry, government, and academia as proof that the product is one of the most innovative ideas of the year.
The full list of winners will be announced in the September 2004 issue of R and D Magazine.
