Varian Inc., Debuts Next Generation DNA Analysis System
Varian, Inc. (Nasdaq: VARI) today introduced its next-generation Helix™System for DNA Analysis, a fully automated tool for determining variations in the DNA sequence.
The first offering from Varian's new BioSolutions™ product initiative, the Helix System is specifically designed as a complete packaged solution for bio-molecular applications including small-scale genotyping, DNA sizing, and oliglionucleotide purification. (See related release, "Varian, Inc. Unveils BioSolutions Product Initiative".) It is based on a dHPLC (denaturing high performance liquid chromatography) platform, includes unique classification software, and the most precise temperature control available for DNA analysis.
dHPLC is an increasingly critical tool for bio-molecular scientists involved in fundamental DNA research and in applied clinical studies. By studying variations in the DNA sequence across a population, and comparing them to the general population, scientists can better understand the basis of disease. Clinical researchers use dHPLC to determine if a particular individual possesses a specific DNA mutation. This information provides researchers with critical supporting data for evaluating an individual's potential risk for cancer and inherited disorders. Industry analysts believe the market for systems used for determining DNA variations to be about $60 million annually.
With the Helix System, bio-molecular scientists simply place standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products into the system, press a button, and obtain results. High-throughput SNP/mutation screening by dHPLC often yields large amounts of data that can be formidable to interpret, organize, and archive. The new Helix System features patent-pending processing software that significantly enhances data management by instantly visualizing and classifying large data sets. By applying integrated algorithms, the Helix software automatically groups similar chromatographic profiles into appropriate categories to quickly process complex data sets. It allows the user to better distinguish between types of DNA variations and markedly reduces analysis times.
"As the first of Varian's new BioSolutions family of products, the Helix System combines instrument hardware, software, laboratory consumables and methodologies for helping molecular biologists solve specific problems - simply, quickly, and predictably." says Allen J. Lauer, Varian, Inc. president and CEO.
"Like forthcoming BioSolutions products, the Helix System leverages several Varian product innovations and core competencies to provide a complete solution for a specific application. Most notable is the new software, which is based on Varian-developed algorithms for spectral analysis, now applied to analyzing massive chromatography data sets. We believe that the productivity and ease of use incorporated into the system provides a significant boost in DNA analysis times," concluded Lauer.
To insure reproducibility and accurate analysis, bio-molecular scientists have been asking for much more precise temperature control in dHPLC ovens. Varian has addressed this need with the Helix oven that is 30 times faster than standard dHPLC ovens and 10 times more precise. It is based on VarianÕs core competency in designing gas chromatography ovens which have highly sensitive temperature controls. By heating and cooling at over 60 degrees per minute, the new Helix oven virtually eliminates thermo-equilibration times and greatly improves operational efficiency. For the first time, bio-molecular researchers have access to the precise temperature control of a GC oven, control that they need to insure reproducibility and accurate charterization of difficult samples.
Other news from the department
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography is an essential method in analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of volatile compounds. Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, it has become firmly established in areas such as environmental analysis, food chemistry or forensic science. GC provides precise and reliable results and enables deep insights into the chemical composition of samples.
Topic world Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography is an essential method in analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of volatile compounds. Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, it has become firmly established in areas such as environmental analysis, food chemistry or forensic science. GC provides precise and reliable results and enables deep insights into the chemical composition of samples.
Topic World Chromatography
Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!
Topic World Chromatography
Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!
