- Caliper Expands Genomics Product Suite and Addresses Sample Preparation Bottlenecks -
HOPKINTON, Mass., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. , a leading provider of tools and services for drug discovery and life sciences research, today launched the Zephyr Genomics Workstation (GW), an easy-to-use, yet powerful automation solution for molecular biology applications. The inclusion of pre-installed methods for reagent kits from numerous suppliers enables first-time automation users to improve quality, consistency, throughput, and return on investment, thereby removing critical sample preparation bottlenecks in workflows for next generation sequencing, microRNA analysis, genotyping, and gene expression studies.
“With the substantial increase in the number of analyses being conducted in genomics laboratories, sample preparation has become a critical workflow bottleneck,” said Isaac Meek, Genomics Marketing Manager, Caliper Life Sciences. “The Zephyr Genomics Workstation is a cost effective entry point solution that addresses the growing customer need for automated molecular biology applications. This new workstation complements our LabChip GX system, which performs fast, automated 1-D electrophoretic separations of nucleic acid samples. Caliper also offers Sciclone, Twister, and Staccato liquid handling and integrated system solutions for higher throughput and more advanced genomics applications, such as next generation sequencing library preparation and microarray sample processing.”
The Zephyr Genomics Workstation includes pre-installed methods for automating many widely used nucleic acid purification chemistries, as well as standard Caliper methods for routine applications such as PCR setup and sample normalization. Consistent with Caliper’s vendor-neutral ACES (Automation, Consulting, Engineering, and Services) business, Caliper will continue to work with external partners to develop best-in-class methods and expand the library of offerings for the Zephyr Genomics Workstation platform.
The system also includes several ease-of-use features to minimize common errors and simplify operation such as a graphical user interface (GUI), partial tip loading, and an ultrasonic detector. The GUI guides the user through method selection and proper deck setup, eliminating many of the common errors associated with high-throughput processing. Utilizing the Zephyr’s partial tip loading capability, the instrument can efficiently process as few as 8 and as many as 96 samples simultaneously. The ultrasonic detector provides contact-free liquid level sensing and reduces the potential for cross contamination.
The Zephyr Genomics Workstation is currently on display in the Caliper Life Sciences booth at LabAutomation2009 (booth #421). For additional information on Caliper’s genomics research tools, please visit http://www.caliperLS.com.
About Caliper Life Sciences
Caliper Life Sciences is a premier provider of cutting-edge technologies enabling researchers in the life sciences industry to create life-saving and enhancing medicines and diagnostic tests more quickly and efficiently. Caliper is aggressively innovating new technology to bridge the gap between in vitro assays and in vivo results and then translating those results into cures for human disease. Caliper’s portfolio of offerings includes state-of-the-art microfluidics, lab automation & liquid handling, optical imaging technologies, and discovery & development outsourcing solutions. For more information please visit www.caliperLS.com.
Caliper, Zephyr, Sciclone, Staccato, Twister, and LabChip are registered trademarks of Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Investors: Peter McAree of Caliper Life Sciences,
+1-508-497-2215; or Media: Stacey Holifield or Kristin Villiotte, both of
Schwartz Communications for Caliper, +1-781-684-0770,
caliper@schwartz-pr.com
Web site: http://www.caliperLS.com/
