Akubio launches RAP·id 4, a pioneering acoustic detection technology for analysis of biomolecular interactions

Akubio Ltd, the acoustic biosensors company, launched its RAP•d 4 biomolecular interactions analysis system today at the 12th Annual SBS Conference & Exhibition, Seattle, Washington.

Based on the Company’s pioneering Resonant Acoustic Profiling (RAP) technology, RAP·id 4 enables real-time label-free measurement and analysis of biomolecular interactions with the highest level of accuracy, reproducibility and sensitivity.

RAP·id 4 is a flow-based system which reduces the need to purify samples and generates accurate kinetic, affinity and concentration measurements from complex mixtures, such as cell culture supernatants and periplasmic extracts. A stand-alone, fully automated platform, RAP·id 4 requires minimal user intervention and is controlled via user-friendly software, typically processing an average of 400 samples per day.

RAP measures the oscillation of a resonating quartz crystal, which decreases in proportion to the mass of the molecules binding to its surface. Researchers interrogate and evaluate the data using the intuitive RAP·id Workbench software package.

Dr Ian Campbell, Business Development Director said: “RAP·id 4 allows users to work directly with complex samples, with minimal need for pre-assay purification or post-assay calibration. The system has been optimised for protein-protein interaction analysis and our application scientists continue to broaden the application areas of RAP·id 4.”

Commenting on the launch, Andrew Mackintosh, CEO Akubio Ltd, said: "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. 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.”