The TOPAZ System for Protein Crystallization
TOPAZ System video overview
TOPAZ IFC Controller
| Topaz® IFC Controller at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Number of Chips: | 1 (Single Bay) |
| Experiment Tracking: | Barcode |
| Gas Pressure: | Internal Compressor |
| Interface: | On-Board Touchscreen |
AutoInspex II Workstation
| AutoInspeX II Workstation at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Image resolution: | 2600 x 2060 with 0.5 microns/pixel at 10X |
| Class. threshold: | 10 x 20 micron and larger |
| Processing time: | < 4 mins per 1.96 chip imaging < 14 mins per 4.96 chip imaging |
| Temp. range: | 4ºC - 35ºC |
| *Accuracy: | < 1% false negatives < 5% false positives |
*As demonstrated by the Fluidigm Install Kit
The TOPAZ system minimizes the manual work associated with protein crystallization. Because the hardware and software were co-developed with the TOPAZ chips, all components work synergistically to deliver reliable, reproducible results using nanoscale free interface diffusion (FID).
The IFC Controller provides the most efficient and economic solution for setting up FID crystallization screening. Key advantages include:
Researchers simply transfer 96 reagents and samples into wells on the frames of chips and place the chips into the bay of the controller. The IFC Controller does the rest, pressure loading the fluids and tracking experiments. The TOPAZ IFC Controller is designed accept one chip at a time.
The NanoFlex IFC Controller accepts as many as four TOPAZ chips at a time and can be run in asynchronous or group mode. After pipetting samples and reagents, the scientist simply starts the program and walks away.
The AutoInspeX II workstation (AIX II) works in synergy with TOPAZ chips to redefine efficiency in automated crystallization analysis. The benefits of the AIX II include:
The workstation produces images that are consistently clear and aligned, unlike drop-based platforms, which suffer from variable size, shape and location of drops under the microscope. In addition, Fluidigm now offers an upgrade that equips the workstation for imaging of crystallization experiments in qualified microwell plates.
The TOPAZ database suite combines each component of the TOPAZ system via one user-friendly interface—Experiment Manager software. Experiment Manager software provides scheduling and analysis tools in addition to design wizards and templates that make it easy to track existing experiments and to design follow-on experiments. Learn more about the TOPAZ database suite on our TOPAZ Software page or download the product datasheet.