INITIUM Launch a New Model of QCM Molecular Interaction Analyzer , AFFINIX Q8 -Enhanced performance with 8-channel multi monitoring and low-volume sensors-

Initium Inc. (Head Office: Chigasaki, Kanagawa; President & CEO: Junpei Yuyama) has developed jointly with Research Development Division of ULVAC, Inc. (Headquarters: Chigasaki, Kanagawa; President & CEO: Hisaharu Obinata) and is launching a new model of QCM(quartz crystal microbalance) molecular interaction analyzer, AFFINIX Q8.Initium Inc. (Head Office: Chigasaki, Kanagawa; President & CEO: Junpei Yuyama) has developed jointly with Research Development Division of ULVAC, Inc. (Headquarters: Chigasaki, Kanagawa; President & CEO: Hisaharu Obinata) and is launching a new model of QCM(quartz crystal microbalance) molecular interaction analyzer, AFFINIX Q8.
AFFINIX Series can analyze molecular association, dissociation, polymerization and decomposition, in label-free and real-time manner, by measuring resonant frequency change of a crystal oscillator. These instruments have been used in wide research areas from biomolecule studies such as proteins and DNA to material evaluations such as nano particles and thin films.AFFINIX Q8 has been developed to enable simultaneous 8-sensor measurements with low-volume sensors.

1. Background

Initium has developed and launched molecular interaction analysis systems that are simple and easy-to-use, since it was established. As the molecular interaction analysis becomes popular, customers need larger number of samples to measure and faster speed of measurements. Initium decided to develop a new model that keeps to be simple and easy to operate and that has achieved enhanced throughput of experiments and reduction in the running cost for customers.

2. Features

[1] Simultaneous 8-sensor MeasurementsThe newly developed measuring system enables simultaneous measurements up to 8 sensors and thereby dramatically accelerates experimental process for researchers who measure a numerous number of samples.

[2] Reduction of Sample Consumption Down to 1/5 of the Conventional SystemThe newly developed low-volume (100 μL) sensor allows measurements with 1/100 of the sample consumption compared to the conventional system AFFINIX QN and 1/5 compared to AFFINIX QNμ. This will drastically reduce the running cost for biological experiments with valuable samples.

[3] Easy to Handle SensorThe downsized sensor has drastically improved usability by allowing operations using a commercial 8-channel pipette. The sensor is designed to easily separate the measuring cup from the sensor substrate and has thus improved usability for pre-measurement molecular immobilization process and post-measurement sensor surface analysis.

[4] Rapid Start of Measurements and Easy MaintenanceThe time to initial frequency stabilization has been reduced half. You can promptly start experiments. No special maintenance is required other than simple cleaning of a stirrer.

[5] Space-saving and Excellent DesignThe 8-channel instrument can be installed in the same space for a 1-channel instrument thorough space-saving design and is rather small compared to competitive instruments, having no problem with securing experiment operation space in your laboratory.

3. Application Fields

This new model is expected to be useful in the "biomolecular interaction analysis" market and the "material evaluations" market.Both markets are for fundamental research at universities and public research laboratories as well as for evaluations of products and materials under development at pharmaceutical company, diagnostic company, chemical company, material company, etc.AFFINIXQ8 can widely cover basic research fields and product evaluation fields.

Examples of "Biomolecular interaction analysis"Protein-protein interaction, Protein-peptide interaction, Antigen-antibody reaction, aggregation of beta-amyloids, DNA-protein interaction, polysaccharide measurement, Lipid membrane evaluation and its interaction with proteins, evaluation of therapeutic antibodies and other biologics, evaluation of diagnostic antibodies and reagent, etc.Examples of "Material evaluations"Nano particules adsorption, polymer thin film evaluation, detergent evaluation, evaluation of dental material surfaces, Protein interaction on material surfaces, Nanotubes adsorption, etc.

4. Composition of Product

The product comes already equipped with a control PC, measurement software and a complete set of consumables, in addition to the main system. You can use the system straightaway on the day of your purchase.The optional accessories available in conventional models (AFFINIX QN, AFFINIX QNμ etc.) such as the immobilization kit and analysis software can be used on AFFINIX Q8 as well.

5. Sales Plan

The annual sales target is 20 units.

6. Prices and Delivery Time

[1] Planned retail price for a complete set of AFFINIX Q8: 7 million JPY (standard model, not including tax, retail price in Japan) 5.5 million JPY (limited specification model, not including tax, retail price in Japan)

[2] Standard delivery time: 3 months after order7. Time to LaunchDecember 2012

8. Product Photograph

9. Company Profile

Initium Inc. was established on October 1, 1999 as a university-based venture company intended to commercialize the study outcomes achieved by Professor Yoshio Okahata, Tokyo Institute of Technology. It became a 100% subsidiary of ULVAC, Inc. on March 31, 2005 when an agreement was made with ULVAC, Inc. to take over the conventional businesses of AFFINIX Series and to aim at new business enlargement in collaboration withULVAC, Inc.

For further information

Initium Inc. Sales http://www.initium2000.com/en/

TEL: +81-467-95-5020 / FAX: +81-467-95-5021