Akubio launches acoustic detection technology for drug discovery
analysis of biomolecular interactions, which has been optimised for
protein-protein interaction analysis that forms a crucial part of
drug development.
The developer and provider of systems make available a technology that has been making waves in the industry because of its ability to make molecular measurements quicker and easier in research, therapy development and drug discovery research.
RAP·id 4 system uses the Company's Resonant Acoustic Profiling (RAP) technology, which can analyse up to 4 samples simultaneously in a constant flow environment.
The electronics system provides binding data for purified proteins as well as for proteins in complex mixtures, such as cell culture supernatants and periplasmic extracts.
Automated sample handling, temperature control and fast data analysis software allows minimal user intervention. Typically 400 samples can be analysed in one day.
"We are delighted to announce the launch of RAP·id 4, which represents an important step in the commercial development of Akubio and the delivery of an important new analytical tool to the pharmaceutical and general life science research community," said Andrew Mackintosh, CEO Akubio.
"While we are focussing on enabling the work of researchers, we believe that RAP will also have applications in broader markets. With our proprietary RAP acoustic technology, Akubio is set to become one of the world's leading biosensor companies."
RAP actually measures the oscillation of a functionalised resonating quartz crystal, which decreases as molecules bind to its surface. This response is in proportion to the mass of molecules bound to the surface.
Proprietary electronics and algorithms enable Akubio to use RAP measurements to provide binding information on biomolecular interactions.
RAP measures materials that physically bind to the crystal, resulting in increased accuracy over conventional optical detection methods, which typically rely on proximity measurements.
Furthermore, unlike optical biosensors, RAP is unaffected by solvents, which removes the need to run calibration routines to normalise for the effect of organic solvents such as DMSO, or components of crude cell lysates, culture medium or serum samples.
"RAP·id 4 allows users to work directly with complex samples, with minimal need for pre-assay purification or post-assay calibration," said Dr Ian Campbell, Business Development Director.
"The system has been optimised for protein-protein interaction analysis and our application scientists continue to broaden the application areas of RAP·id 4," he added.
