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Flexus DMPK Fully Automates Protein Precipitation Methods, Saving Time and Effort

19 Mar 2007

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Development and implementation of high throughput techniques for sample preparation used in drug analysis is challenging.

Plasma samples are commonly analyzed by LC/MS for the presence of drug metabolites during pre-clinical and clinical trials but must first be treated to eliminate proteins that would otherwise interfere with the analyses. This is most commonly achieved by protein precipitation and separation using centrifugation or 96 well filter plate technology. However, these methods are labour intensive and time consuming.

Now, Anachem introduces a revolutionary new automated liquid handling platform, specifically designed to make this demanding procedure easier, faster and more efficient, freeing up valuable technician time. The Flexus DMPK pipetting station is a flexible robotic system that performs all the manipulations necessary for complete automation of the traditional protein precipitation technique. It is pre-configured with a plate shaker and built in, high speed centrifuge or vacuum station. It includes a specific software package to get you up and running and generating results as quickly as possible.

The Flexus DMPK protocol ensures accurate pipetting of acetonitrile from a reagent trough to the plasma containing plate. The plate is then moved to the integrated shaker for sample mixing to ensure homogeneity prior to centrifugation or filtration. A dilution step of the supernatant into a clean microtitre plate presents the finished samples ready for LC/MS analysis. A 96 well plate can be prepared in less than 15 minutes without any human intervention. Alternative protocols include the use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or ammonium sulphate as the precipitants.

Flexus DMPK is one of a family of application focused Flexus platforms. Also available are Flexus Genome that automates a range of molecular biology techniques, Flexus Assay for ELISA and Flexus Crystal for protein crystallography. These complement the standard modular Flexus system that can be configured to suit individual applications.

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS 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.ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Lab-on-a-ChipLab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology uses microfluidic chips, such as microarrays, to perform biochemical assays on a small scale. Benefits of lab-on-a-chip include the small volume of sample required as well as the speed of analysis. In selecting lab-on-a-chip devices consider the assay, cost, reliability, sensitivity and signal to noise ratio.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.High-Throughput ScreeningHigh-throughput screening (HTS) is an automated drug discovery technique for identification of active compounds against a compound library. Use HTS readers and integrated assay preparation / analysis workstations to screen your compounds. Identify active compounds against various HTS libraries, including membranes, proteins and peptides and HTS cell lines. Find the best high-throughput screening products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein CrystallographyProtein crystallization is the process of crystallizing purified proteins for 3D structure analysis by x-ray crystallography. The main methods of protein crystallization include sitting drop, hanging drop and microbatch. It is important to control parameters such as pH, temperature and concentration. Following crystallization, detectors and software are used for data collection and analysis.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.

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Flexus DMPK Fully Automates Protein Precipitation Methods, Saving Time and Effort