21 May 2004
Waikato University Buys ‘Mass Fingerprinting’ Technology
Hamilton, New Zealand and Billerica, MA, USA – 21 May, 2004.
Fresh from being named the top New Zealand university for chemistry and molecular biology research in the
Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) round, Waikato University has announced the purchase of leading edge research
technology that can assist in the development of a wide range of products and biological processes.
“This technology, which quickly and clearly identifies molecules, is being obtained for our researchers in chemistry and
molecular biology, both areas which the PBRF ranked us top in New Zealand,” says Professor Richard Price, Dean of
Waikato University’s School of Science and Technology.
The MALDI-TOF/TOF instrument and sample handling robot, with a value of more than $NZ800,000, are being purchased from
international company Bruker Daltonics Inc, one of the world’s leading suppliers of mass spectrometry solutions. It will
enable the university to rapidly and accurately analyse and determine “mass fingerprints” for a wide range of molecules.
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers measure the “time of flight” of ions, produced by bombardment of a molecule by a laser, as
they travel to a detector. A sample preparation robot will allow the process of preparing large numbers of samples to be
highly automated.
“Our new instrument means New Zealand businesses, particularly in the Waikato region, have an important new test
facility,” says Professor Price. “Anyone researching and developing biological or chemical-based products will be able
to gain access to a world-class facility, including automation to handle large numbers of samples faster.
“Coupled with the equipment we already have at Waikato University, the addition of the MALDI-TOF/TOF will create a real
centre of excellence for mass spectrometry research and development. Together with other instrumentation in the School,
we can offer a fully integrated facility for chemical and biological analysis, particularly in the specialist areas of
genomics and proteomics. “We will be happy to carry out work for others on a commercial basis or on a joint research
basis. From the university’s in-house research perspective, the MALDI-TOF/TOF will allow us to do more detailed research
in a wide range of areas.”
For example, the equipment can: Help ensure that therapeutic proteins are working as expected, thereby allowing
companies to produce more effective drugs; Study DNA and protein modifications so that the developmental process of
organisms is better understood; Monitor the purity of a product at the molecular level; Identify sequences of amino
acids in protein and mutations in DNA; Carry out specialized research on chemicals. Identify the molecular size of
natural and synthetic polymers. Permit novel research in the areas of mass spectrometry of inorganic chemicals, for
which the chemistry department already has an international reputation.
The purchase of the Maldi-TOF/TOF system has involved a collaboration between Waikato University’s departments of
biological sciences, chemistry, and material and process engineering, within the School of Science and Technology, and
the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Key staff involved in the project were materials and process engineering associate
professor Conan Fee, chemistry senior lecturer Merilyn Manley-Harris and biological sciences senior lecturer Dave
Musgrave.
The equipment will be installed in a specialist mass spectrometry suite administered by a full-time mass spectrometry
specialist.
Bruker Daltonics Inc is represented in New Zealand by Bio-Strategy Distribution Limited. It is a leading supplier of
mass spectrometry equipment.
Bruker Daltonics Inc said it was very pleased that the agreement to purchase was also linked to a close future
collaboration with Waikato University. Clive Seymour, the company’s Vice President for Asia Pacific says: “This is an
important installation of our highly developed MALDI-TOF/TOF system in New Zealand. To combine this with an agreement to
create a centre of excellence in this field for Australasia with a top rating university for chemical and molecular
biology research is of great significance.
“Potential users of the technology from throughout Australasia will be able to use Waikato University’s equipment for
evaluation purposes. Under our collaboration, Waikato University will also be able to access other specialized mass
spectrometry systems at facilities in Germany, US and Japan. We are committed to providing excellence in service and
support and together with Waikato University, we are more than happy to discuss the application possibilities of this
technology with potential users of the systems,” says Mr Seymour. Bruker Daltonics is a leading developer and provider
of innovative life science tools based on mass spectrometry.
ENDS