Illumina this week launched the iScan System, a next-generation scanner that the firm claims can provide researchers conducting genotyping and gene expression studies with significantly greater throughput, enhanced automation, and improved ease of use.
When used with the recently launched Infinium High-Density Human1M-Duo and Human610-Quad Genotyping BeadChips, and Illumina's laboratory information management systems and automation options, the iScan System can complete genotyping studies up to six times faster than studies run on Illumina's BeadStation. Researchers can generate up to 225 million genotypes per day with the iScan, the company said.
The company began placing the iScan with early-access customers including the Scripps Genomics Medicine and Translational Science Institute and Cogenics in the first quarter. Illumina said it will commence broad commercial shipment of the iScan System this quarter.
Febit this week released a new version of its Geniom miRNA Biochip based on the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute’s miRBASE version 11.0, which was updated last week.
The chip is available through a full service from Febit or as a ready-to-go biochip for the company’s benchtop Geniom RT Analyzer, which was launched this month in Europe and will be launched next month in the US.
Asper Biotech recently updated its Leber congenital amaurosis chip.
Specifically, 44 new mutations and 1 new gene, LCA5, have been added to the chip. Currently the test can be used to screen 495 mutations in 12 genes: AIPL1, CRB1, CRX, GUCY2D, LRAT, MERTK, CEP290, RDH12, RPGRIP1, RPE65, LCA5 and TULP1.
According to the Estonian array company, the LCA chip enables simultaneous screening for all known LCA-associated variants in large LCA cohorts, and allows systematic detection and analysis of genetic variation, facilitating prospective diagnosis and ultimately predicting disease progression.
GenTel Biosciences last week launched its APiX GlycoBiomarker Profiling Array Kit.
The product provides a method for multiplex profiling of glycan patterns on serum glycoproteins. The kit contains an antibody array engineered to capture specific proteins of interest from serum samples and to detect specific glycan structures using biotinylated lectins.
According to GenTel, the APiX kit can be used in the characterization of disease-associated glycan alterations, identification of new biomarkers, and the analysis of factors that regulate glycan structures.