Applications
Rapid Amino Acid Analysis
Traditionally, amino acid analysis is performed using dedicated analyzers based on pre-column labeling and subsequent HPLC separation. However, due to the complex nature of amino acid separation, these methods require long analysis times and lead to high costs per sample. Advanced Analytical has explored the development of a capillary array electrophoresis approach that offers a high throughput, low cost alternative for performing generalized screening of amino acid content across large sample populations.
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dsDNA Analysis
Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) is a powerful technique for performing dsDNA analysis, providing high separation resolution, with low sampling volume and automated digital data output. Under appropriate sampling conditions, on-line UV detection in a capillary array format provides sensitive, direct detection of dsDNA fragments or plasmid DNA without requiring the expensive and hazardous fluorescent tagging protocols.
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Quantitative Screening of Fermentation Broths
The parallel analysis capability of Advanced Analytical's capillary array electrophoresis-UV detection technology provides a rapid, cost effective means to separate and screen large populations of samples for quantitative or semi-quantitative information. The following reference demonstrates how our technology was applied toward monitoring production yields of lovastatin, a commercial cholesterol-lowering drug:
Kittell J, Borup B, Voladari R, Zahn K: Parallel capillary electrophoresis for the quantitative screening of fermentation broths containing natural products. Metab. Eng. 2005, 7:53-58.
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Drinking Water and Environmental Water Monitoring
The Micro PRO™ system can be used to monitor total viable microorganism levels in water samples with results in 15 minutes. The traditional heterotrophic plate count (HPC) method requires three to seven days for results. The Micro PRO™ total viable organism counts trend with the HPC results, providing a rapid and sensitive tool for assessing water quality. The following reference demonstrates how the Micro PRO™ system was used to monitor drinking water samples:
Tangorra, P. A., C. K. Schreppel, S. J. Lasky and A. M. Steger. 2004. Comparison of a new rapid total viable bacteria method vs. R2A cultures. American Water Works Association Annual Meeting. Poster Presentation.
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Specific Microorganism Detection
Detection and accurate enumeration of specific microorganisms can be achieved with the Micro PRO™ platform, using either fluorescent-labeled antibodies or fluorescent-labeled nucleic acid probes. For example, using a fluorescently-conjugated antibody, we have demonstrated the capability of the Micro PRO™ system to accurately detect and enumerate irradiated Cryptosporidium oocysts spiked into water samples. Additionally, utilizing nucleic acid probes and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), we have demonstrated specific detection and enumeration of various microorganisms.
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