Shimadzu PPSQ simplifies mass spectrometry

Published: 23-Nov-2011

Achieves greater reliability in the automatic determination of amino acid sequences

Shimadzu’s PPSQ series Edman sequencer produces N-Terminal sequencing information for proteins and peptides and is said to be less complex to use than many alternative mass spectrometry based techniques.

The PPSQ series achieves greater simplicity and reliability in the automatic determination of amino acid sequences by employing state-of-the-art HPLC analysis coupled with high sensitivity detection and powerful new acquisition/analysis software, the firm says. N-Terminal sequencing is a key part of the ICH Q6B guidelines for characterisation and confirmation of biopharmaceuticals for new marketing applications.

Shimadzu has developed the PPSQ series to simplify the generation of customised reports for information relating to estimated sequences and yield rates, which can easily be displayed in graphical form to enable users to select amino acids for their calculations.

Also able to supporting QA applications in biopharmaceutical and biochemistry companies, the PPSQ series is suitable for university departments looking to run protein-sequencing studies.

‘Shimadzu is the only company producing a fully supported Edman sequencing solution now that Applied Biosystems has discontinued its Procise Edman Sequencer globally,’ said Stuart Phillips, Shimadzu UK’s LC/LCMS business manager.

‘If any UK company still requires an Edman sequencer service then Shimadzu UK’s PPSQ series is the only proven solution in production capable of performing Edman N-Terminal sequencing.’

A further benefit is that the PPSQ series offers cost savings of up to 50% compared with the Procise system, added Phillips.

By using Shimadzu’s HPLC, the PPSQ series protein sequencers are able to separate PTH-amino acids isocratically, which improves baseline stability to allow high-sensitivity analysis of PTH-amino acids. Isocratic sequence analysis provides more stable retention times. Analysis in isocratic mode allows eluents to be recycled, which reduces the amount of mobile phase required and waste disposal rates and leads to significant cost savings.

Relevant companies

You may also like