Proteins are the building blocks of life. They form the structure of cells, regulate cellular activity and carry out the biochemical processes that underpin function in every living organism.

To understand proteins and their function, we must understand the way they fold, aggregate and interact. Fluidic Analytics Ltd, Cambridge UK, has announced the global launch of its Fluidity One system, which gives scientists the ability to observe these phenomena in a biologically relevant context, by measuring the size and concentration of proteins in their native state, without the need for surfaces or matrices. This technology can be applied to fundamental scientific research applications and the development and manufacture of biopharmaceuticals.

The Fluidity One system was showcased at the Fluidic Analytics booth during the MipTec Exhibition, part of Basel Life 2018, which was held 11–14 September, Congress Centre, Basel, Switzerland.

"The Fluidity One offers a fundamentally better way to characterise proteins – in solution, in their native state, and without the need for surfaces, matrices or ionisation. This approach gives our customers access to unique quantitative insights into protein behaviour that are not accessible using other approaches."

Prof Tuomas Knowles, Chief Scientific Officer, Fluidic Analytics

"Fluidic Analytics envisions a world where information about proteins and their behaviour transforms our understanding of how the biological world operates. The Fluidity One is the first in a series of products that will make it easier for our customers to extract unprecedented insights for an ever-expanding range of applications."

Dr Andrew Lynn, Chief Executive Officer, Fluidic Analytics

Launching Fluidity One worldwide

Built on peer reviewed science and patented Fluidic Separation and Detection technology, the Fluidity One system analyses protein in solution and in their natural state using Microfluidic Diffusional Sizing (MDS). By simply loading 5 µL onto the chip, a scientist can rapidly measure changes in protein size caused by folding, aggregation or interactions with other proteins in a biologically relevant context.

The Fluidity One enables:

• Samples to be analysed in solution under near native-conditions, providing the most accurate method for characterising proteins
• The full characterisation of small peptides to aggregates, from 0.5 to 20 nm (0.3 kDa to 8 MDa) in size
• Contamination free analysis with no need for wash cycles
• The measurement of proteins without molecular labels which can impact their behaviour
• Analysis using as little as 50 ng of protein in less than 10 minutes

Highlights at MipTec

Fluidic Analytics also presented oral and poster communications at this year’s MipTec Exhibition, including:

• Oral communication: A new method for protein size and concentration analysis - MDS microfluidic diffusional sizing; Presented by Dr Chris Thorne
• Poster communication: Microfluidic Diffusional Sizing for analysis of proteins in solution; Authored by Dr Chris Thorne

Fluidic Analytics – Understand the Machinery of Life

Fluidic Analytics envisions a world where information about proteins and their behaviour transforms our understanding of how the biological world operates, and helps all of us make better decisions about how we diagnose diseases, develop treatments and maintain our personal well-being.

By building the world’s best tools, software and services for protein characterisation and making them universally accessible in the lab, in the clinic or at home, we are making this vision a reality not just for a small group of expert users, but for everyone who can benefit