AMS Biotechnology announces MagSi-Direct

Published: 21-Jul-2014

A magnetic technology for bioseparations and studies of biomolecular interactions

MagSi-Direct from AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) brings the power, simplicity and convenience of magnetic separation to researchers involved in cell biology, protein chemistry, flow cytometry, diagnostics development and many other fields.

The Abingdon, Oxfordshire-based company says MagSi-Direct provides a convenient and efficient way to attach virtually any biomolecule to nanoscopic paramagnetic beads. It is particularly suitable for exploiting interactions between a biomolecule and its binding partners.

With MagSi-Direct, researchers can start with a molecule of interest, attach magnetic beads to it, and then use a magnet to isolate that molecule from any desired reaction mixture, together with any other molecules, complexes, or even intact cells to which the starting molecule has bound. In effect, the starting molecule is converted into a magnetic affinity reagent, or 'bait', which can be used to purify, isolate, or characterise the partners with which it interacts.

MagSi-Direct beads attach to the starting molecule through strong coordinate bonds between the surface of the bead and any electron donating group on the molecule (carboxyl, amide, 1°, 2°, 3° amine, hydroxyl, phosphate, halogen etc). Molecular orientation is non-specific and random. Consequently, within a population of beads, all possible orientations of the starting molecule will be represented and available for interactions with other molecules, complexes or cells, the company says.

Because magnetic separation technology is gentle and does not involve harsh chemicals or conditions, MagSi-Direct opens up new avenues for isolating, purifying, or characterising cells that interact with specific ligands. Magnetic 'bait' reagents may be constructed from proteins, cytokines, carbohydrates, pharmaceuticals, aptamers, or nearly any other class of molecule.

MagSi-Direct is more flexible, more convenient, and less expensive than alternative antibody-based or biotin-based technologies, the company says.

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