Agilent Technologies introduces innovative technology to separate proteins and peptides

SEATTLE, ASMS 2006, May 30, 2006

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced an innovative technology that fractionates proteins and peptides with unprecedented simplicity and resolution. Co-developed with DiagnoSwiss S.A., the Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator enables scientists to identify more proteins, peptides and potential biomarkers by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

Biological samples such as blood plasma and cells typically contain tens of thousands of proteins over a wide range of concentrations. This high complexity makes it difficult to identify low-abundance proteins that play important roles in normal biological processes and disease. The OFFGEL Fractionator improves researchers' ability to identify low-abundance proteins and peptides by reducing sample complexity and greatly increasing the sensitivity of LC/MS analysis.

"The OFFGEL system for protein and peptide fractionation has helped us increase our dynamic range and dig deeper into the proteome," said Konstantinos Petritis, senior scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

"The OFFGEL Fractionator further demonstrates Agilent's commitment to and leadership in advancing the field of proteomics," said Taia Ergueta, general manager of Agilent's mass spectrometry business. "We designed the technology to be a valuable and affordable addition to any lab doing proteomics research. Used in concert with our industry-leading separation technologies, LC/MS systems, software and bioinformatics platforms, the OFFGEL system will increase productivity and facilitate the discovery process."

The latest addition to Agilent's protein separation solutions for proteomics research, the OFFGEL Fractionator provides a novel means of fractionating both intact proteins and peptides by their isoelectric point (pI). It offers several advantages over standard pre-fractionation methods, including enhanced ease of use, greater resolution (up to 0.1 pH units), analytical-to-preparative sample loading capacity, and the ability to run multiple samples in parallel. Unlike standard gel-based pI fractionation, the OFFGEL system streamlines the proteomics workflow by yielding fractions in solution, which can be directly subjected to further fractionation or LC/MS analysis. The ability to fractionate samples by pI also allows researchers to target and validate the proteins or peptides of greatest interest, such as those that have undergone post-translational modifications. Using Agilent's Spectrum Mill software, scientists can incorporate pI data in their searches.

The Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator can be incorporated into any proteomics workflow. For intact protein research, it can be used prior to 2D-gel electrophoresis to reduce sample complexity and improve resolution and sensitivity. For peptide analysis, it can be used before or in place of strong cation exchange. Used in conjunction with Agilent's Multiple Affinity Removal System and/or Macroporous Reversed-phase C18 column prior to LC/MS, it improves the sensitivity and productivity of both fast-scanning and accurate-mass analyses.

The OFFGEL Fractionator system includes the instrument, trays, consumables and a local controller. For more information, visit Agilent online at www.agilent.com/chem/offgel.

Availability

The Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator is expected to be available for order starting July 1, 2006, with shipment beginning in October.

About Agilent in Mass Spectrometry

Agilent is a leading provider of GC/MS, LC/MS and ICP-MS technologies for organic and inorganic spectroscopy. Among the company's key products are the 5973 and 5975 inert GC/MSDs, the 7500 Series ICP-MS systems, and the new Agilent 6000 Series LC/MS single-quadrupole, triple-quadrupole, ion trap, TOF and Q-TOF instruments. Agilent provides innovative HPLC-Chip/MS technology and the broadest range of ion sources in the industry. As a leader in separations and software, Agilent can address the entire customer workflow from sample introduction through data analysis.

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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Contact:

Frank Orrico
Weber Shandwick, for Agilent
+1 312 397 6632
forrico@webershandwick.com