Samples are deposited directly on the surface of the NALDI chip for high-throughput analysis. (Photo: Business Wire) |
Mar. 12, 2007 — Nanosys, Inc. and Bruker Daltonics Inc. have entered into a broad R&D collaboration and distribution agreement for Nanosys’ nanotechnology-enabled matrix-free target plates (known as Capture and Analyze NALDI chips) for use primarily with Bruker’s FLEX-series of laser desorption ionization (LDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers.
NALDI chips promise significant sensitivity, throughput, and ease-of-use benefits for the analysis of small molecules. Previously, these molecules typically had to be analyzed with LC-MS (liquid chromatography ¿ mass spectrometry), which is time-consuming, less robust, and requires more operator training.
The partners say that NALDI chips, combined with fast, robust, and easy-to-use TOF or TOF/TOF mass spectrometers, may “revolutionize small molecule mass spectrometry in many important areas of life science or chemical research and analysis.” Potential applications include chemistry and molecular biology research, molecular diagnostics and molecular imaging research, pharma/biotech and other industrial research and analysis, food analysis, environmental analysis, toxicology, and more.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will collaborate on R&D related to the NALDI chips, as well as on applications and assay development. Nanosys will manufacture and exclusively supply NALDI chips for Bruker LDI-TOF mass spectrometers, while Bruker Daltonics will market and distribute the chips worldwide.