University & Toray collaborate to create Microarray Laboratory
Cardiff University and Toray collaborate to provide 3D-Gene™ microarray services
Cardiff University School of Medicine is pleased to announce a collaborative agreement with Toray Industries, Japan, to create the CBS-Toray Microarray Laboratory. The establishment of the facility, which was officially launched at the School of Medicine on February 7th 2012, will provide UK and European researchers with a complete range of services utilising Toray’s revolutionary 3D-Gene™ DNA Chips, from RNA extraction and synthesis to array chip hybridisation and analysis. The facility is part of Central Biotechnology Services (CBS) located within the Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodologies and Engagement (TIME) at Cardiff University School of Medicine. CBS is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 quality management standards, guaranteeing the highest quality of sample handling and scientific support.
The recruitment of Toray’s 3D-Gene™ microarray technology to the portfolio of CBS genomic facilities provides a significant step-up in technology. The black resin chip reduces background fluorescence and the unique three-dimensional columns, upon which the gene probes are bonded, provide excellent spot morphology and resolution. Proprietary encapsulated microbeads agitate the sample during hybridisation, maximising the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the accuracy, reproducibility and sensitivity of the array experiment. 3D-Gene™ microarray chips are designed for use within existing workflows and do not require specialised equipment or instruments. “3D-Gene™ microarrays can offer significantly enhanced resolution, particularly for low abundance targets such as microRNAs and FFPE tissue specimens. With the opening of the CBS-Toray Microarray Laboratory, researchers can now benefit from 3D-Gene™ technology on a service basis.
Commenting on the agreement with Toray, Professor Morgan, Dean of Cardiff University School of Medicine, said “Researchers from across Europe recognise the CBS as a scientific service provider par excellence. We are excited that with this agreement to establish the Cardiff Toray Bioscience Laboratory, we are expanding our portfolio of services to provide additional opportunities with Toray’s 3D-Gene™ technology.” Director of the Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodologies and Engagement, Professor Nicholas Topley commented "The CBS Toray alliance represents an important step for the University. It will extend our technology offerings to the Cardiff University research community and serve as a model for future industry partnerships in research and technology development".
