Gentbrugge, Belgium, January 13 2015 – Trinean, the leading provider of microfluidic spectrophotometry platforms, today announced that its DropSense96TM droplet reader has been chosen by UK Biobank for automated quantification of 500,000 purified DNA samples in its Genotyping project.
UK Biobank’s Genotyping project is one of the largest genetic studies, designed to better understand the complex interaction of lifestyle and genes in disease and personalized medicine. In collaboration with Affymetrix, genetic variations in 500,000 participants are being measured using a custom-designed AxiomTM genotyping array.
Samantha Murphy, Senior Project Manager (Genotyping) at UK Biobank, explains: “The DropSense96 TM was selected in the DNA extraction workflow as it is readily automated and provided a means to extract and quantify a full plate of 96 samples in a single process, without the need for reagents. The DNA concentration and purity values are incorporated into export files from the DNA extraction systems for quick upload to our LIMS. The results from the DropSense96 TM are used to decide if the samples are of sufficient quality to be shipped for genotyping.”
Yvan Sergeant, VP Commercial Operations of Trinean, adds: “The decision by UK Biobank to use our DropSense96TM droplet reader is a firm confirmation that our instruments are ideal for sample QC in genotyping workflows. Both the DropSense96 TM, tailored towards 96well plate handling and the smaller Xpose TM reader fit for manual sample processing are unique in combining speed, an extensive measurement range and detailed sample content analysis beyond the possibilities of classic spectrophotometry. They are able to provide detailed and accurate sample info required in high-tech genetic testing”.
About Trinean
Trinean is a Belgium based instrumentation company, bringing micro-volume molecular spectroscopy to the next level by combining best in class analytical software with a highly standardized read-out platform. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out of the Ghent University, Belgium and Imec Leuven, Belgium, the company commercializes UV/VIS spectrometers for biomolecule quantification, the XposeTM for 16 samples and the DropSense96TM, analyzing up to 96 samples, using microfluidic chips for standardized sample analysis (DropPlatesTM and XposeTM Slides). The Trinean platform is complemented with a software toolbox for improved data interpretation and lab-automation. Trinean is venture backed by Vesalius Biocapital, Capricorn Venture Partners, Capital-E, Baekeland Fonds and Fidimec.
For more information about Trinean, visit http://www.trinean.com
About UK Biobank
In 2010 UK Biobank completed the collection of samples for a major health initiative aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of illnesses. Over a 5 year period, data and samples from more than 500,000 volunteers aged between 40 and 69 years were collected. Each participant donated a range of biological samples – typically blood, urine and saliva; underwent a series of physical measures; and each provided a range of health and lifestyle information. Importantly, each participant also agreed to UK Biobank having access to their health records.
The physical samples collected by UK Biobank are stored in a centralized repository for use by approved researchers from around the world. Scientists wishing to use data or samples from UK Biobank must register with the resource (via the UK Biobank Access System) and provide information about their study. Following approval of an application, samples and/or data are released to the researcher for the purpose of executing the project detailed in their application; the only conditions placed on the research team are that any publications generated reference UK Biobank and that (specific, agreed) methods / data generated by the project are returned to UK Biobank to augment the data set for the benefit of future projects / research. Applications to use the UK Biobank resource have been steadily increasing since the Access System “go live” in March 2012 and current projects vary greatly in scope, from hearing and visual impairment to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Further information:
Philippe Stas
Chief Executive Officer
Trinean N.V.
Tel.: +32-9-272.75.35
info@trinean.com
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