Bruker Daltonics Announces Next-Generation MALDI-TOF/TOF System
At the 2004 Human Proteomics Organization (HUPO) Conference, Bruker Daltonics Inc., an operating company of Bruker BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: BRKR), announces the novel ultraflex II performance-leading MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF mass spectrometer. The ultraflex II offers major further advancements in the sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy of TOF/TOF systems for expression proteomics, quantitative proteomics and biomarker discovery. Leading capabilities for peptide de novo sequencing, the analysis of post-translational modifications and even top-down protein primary structure determination are available on the unique ultraflex II.
The ultraflex II establishes a versatile and powerful tool for many areas of proteomics research without compromise, offering next-generation MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF performance for both peptides and proteins. It benefits from innovations based on the proven modular design concept of the FLEX(TM)-series with its unique upgradability from TOF to TOF/TOF operation. Novel features of the ultraflex II TOF/TOF include:
— more than an order of magnitude improvements in MS and MS/MS sensitivity;
— proprietary “panoramic” PAN(TM) technology for outstanding MS mass resolution over a very broad mass range measured under unchanged instrument conditions, i.e. suitable for full automation. PAN provides resolving power values from 10,000 to 25,000 for peptides in the 800 to 6,000 Dalton mass range. This unmatched panoramic MS resolution yields better protein sequence coverage and higher success rates of protein identification.
— unique T3-sequencing(TM) capability allows top-down sequence analysis on many intact proteins with ease;
— significant improvements in TOF/TOF mass resolution;
— tunable laser speed from 1-200 Hz for high-throughput analysis as well as for sensitive detection of labile protein modifications;
The Ultraflex II can be used with the new Prespotted AnchorChip(TM) targets in industry-standard microtitre plate (MTP) format. These novel disposable MALDI targets are the next generation of the successful patented AnchorChip technology. They provide the highest sensitivity and most reliable sample preparation without the risk of any cross-contamination that is inherent to reusable targets. With its pre-spotted matrix surface and calibrant spots, the Prespotted AnchorChip represents a new level of user-friendliness, and uncompromising reliability in MALDI-TOF(/TOF) sample preparation. Prespotted AnchorChips are particularly convenient for LC-MALDI applications.
The new ultraflex II can be fully integrated into Bruker Daltonics Proteineer(TM) expression proteomics system for peptide mass fingerprinting, peptide fragment analysis and post-translational modifications (PTM) analysis. Beyond the original gel-based Proteineer, the additional Proteineer-LC(TM) solution supports LC-MALDI workflows. All the Proteineer solutions include robotics, consumables and bioinformatics to meet highest demands in proteomics routine analysis and research. For LC-MALDI experiments, the ultraflex II utilizes the unique, intelligent WARP-LC(TM) processes for the automated results-dependent generation of high-information content results.
In the WARP-LC process, quantitative expression proteomics experiments with stable isotope labeling techniques for complex or multiplexed samples, as well as label-free quantitative proteomics workflows are supported. Another innovation in quantitative proteomics is the two-dimensional peptide imaging of tissues, called MALDI Imaging. MALDI Imaging with Bruker Daltonics’ flexImaging(TM) software is now an optional, fully supported feature of the ultraflex II.
Moreover, the ultraflex II can also be fully integrated into the Bruker Daltonics ClinProt(TM) clinical proteomics solution for high-resolution peptide and protein biomarker discovery, TOF/TOF biomarker identification and robust, reproducible large-scale biomarker validation (for research use only).
The ultraflex II is operated under our powerful COMPASS(TM) software for easy data handling. COMPASS integrates seamlessly with the most comprehensive proteomics software suite in the industry, including ProteinScape(TM), which was officially selected by the HUPO HBPP (Human Brain Proteome Project) as a standard bioinformatics tool. The COMPASS Security Pack option for pharmaceutical customers includes audit trails, user management, results history, electronic signatures, and data security to support customers in achieving 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Our PharmaTools suite for customers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries ensure high reliability and uptime, excellent training, service and support, and vendor assistance for operating the ultraflex II in regulated environments. PharmaTools offers the validation products IQ (installation qualification) and OQ/PV (operational qualification and performance verification). These products increase productivity by ensuring consistent performance of the instruments over time. Highest quality training, support and service are available for our pharma customers to achieve the utmost in productivity and uptime.
Dr. Michael Schubert, Vice President for R&D at Bruker Daltonics, stated: “Unsurpassed sensitivity even from minute amount of samples and impressive mass resolution over a wide mass range makes the new ultraflex II the instrument of choice for high-success expression proteomics and advanced biomarker discovery studies. The ultraflex II was designed without compromise as a MALDI-TOF/TOF with excellent performance in linear, reflectron, MS/MS and top-down mode to enable outstanding sensitivity and accuracy in peptide as well as intact protein identification and structural analysis.”
He continued: “Our LC-MALDI approach enables our customers to identify low abundance proteins and characterize them in greater detail by MALDI-TOF/TOF. This workflow is further enhanced by our unique integration with LC-ESI-MS/MS data. The resulting LC-ESI-MALDI-MS/MS integrated workflow combines complementary information from both ionization methods, and thus provides new levels of insight.”
Frank Laukien, Ph.D., President and CEO, commented: “With the introduction of the novel ultraflex II, we have further enhanced our leadership in MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Using next-generation technologies in combination with our patented wide mass range mode PAN, we have a definitive answer for TOF/TOF researchers pushing the cutting edge of expression and clinical proteomics.”
ABOUT BRUKER BIOSCIENCES
Bruker BioSciences Corporation, headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, is the publicly traded parent company of Bruker Daltonics Inc. and Bruker AXS Inc. Bruker AXS is a leading developer and provider of life science and advanced materials research tools based on x-ray technology. Bruker Daltonics is a leading developer and provider of innovative life science tools based on mass spectrometry. Bruker Daltonics also offers a broad line of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) detection products for defense and homeland security. For more information, please visit: www.bruker-biosciences.com
