A New Magnetic Technology for Bioseparations and Studies of Biomolecular Interactions

31 Jul 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Product news

AMSBIO announces MagSi-Direct - a revolutionary technology that brings the power, simplicity, and convenience of magnetic separation to researchers involved in cell biology, protein chemistry, flow cytometry, diagnostics development and many other fields.

MagSi-Direct provides a convenient and efficient way to attach virtually any biomolecule to nanoscopic paramagnetic beads. It is particularly suited for exploiting interactions between a biomolecule and its binding partners. With MagSi-Direct, you can start with a molecule of interest, attach magnetic beads to it, and then use a magnet to isolate that molecule from any desired reaction mixture, together with any other molecules, complexes, or even intact cells to which the starting molecule has bound. In effect, the starting molecule is converted into a magnetic affinity reagent, or "bait", which can be used to purify, isolate, or characterize the partners with which it interacts.

MagSi-Direct beads attach to the starting molecule via strong, stable coordinate bonds between the surface of the bead and any electron donating group on your molecule (carboxyl, amide, 1°, 2°, 3° amine, hydroxyl, phosphate, halogen etc). Molecular orientation is non-specific and random. Consequently, within a population of beads, all possible orientations of the starting molecule will be represented and available for interactions with other molecules, complexes or cells.

Because magnetic separation technology is gentle and does not involve harsh chemicals or conditions, MagSi-Direct opens up new avenues for isolating, purifying, or characterizing cells that interact with specific ligands. Magnetic "bait" reagents may be constructed from proteins, cytokines, carbohydrates, pharmaceuticals, aptamers, or nearly any other class of molecule. MagSi-Direct is much more flexible, much more convenient, and considerably less expensive than alternative antibody-based or biotin-based technologies.

AMSBIO also offers a series of superior magnetic products for use in protein purification, proteomics, genomics applications. High quality coating of magnetic silica beads with Steptavidin, Protein A, Protein G or other ligand specific molecules allows isolation of specific target molecules or cells out of large volumes or complex mixtures.

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Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.GlycobiologyGlycobiology encompasses research into the biological functions, synthesis and structures of glycans, including glycoproteins, glycolipids, proteoglycans and free oligosaccharides. Mass spectrometers and their software are commonly used in the study of glycobiology, along with structure predicting tools, chromatography and NMR.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Molecular BiologyMolecular biology is the branch of biology that focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular functions. It involves studying DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand gene expression, replication, and regulation. Molecular biology is fundamental to biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. Explore molecular biology products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Stem Cell ResearchStem cells have the ability to produce identical daughter cells as well as progeny, which commit and differentiate. Stem cell research has exciting prospects of biomedical applications in cellular disease modeling, pharmaceutical screening, and regenerative medicine.
A New Magnetic Technology for Bioseparations and Studies of Biomolecular Interactions