Progentec, LLC Announces a Promising New Multiplex Platform Technology

Progentec has developed an improved mutliplex platform technology. The technology is based upon the use of micro-particles each encoded with a with dimensional barcode allowing up to 1 million distinct codes. Test results have indicated that the platform has proven to be very sensitive and specific.

(Minneapolis, MN -- February 28, 2003) -- Progentec, LLC, the developer of an improved multiplex platform technology, today announced the completion of a one year research agreement with a major midwest medical institution. The Progentec Biotaggant(R) is a novel technology that will enable highly sensitive multiplex analysis of DNA, proteins, and other biologically-active molecules at very low cost to researchers and clinicians. This new multiplex platform may have application in several areas such as clinical testing, genomics and proteomics research, pharmaceutical development, and pharmacogenomics.

The Biotaggant is a new microscopic particle platform to which biologically-active molecules can be attached and subsequent in vitro analysis performed. Each Biotaggant has a two-dimensional code that can represent various data including the identity of the analyte, a genetic code, batch numbers, etc. The Biotaggants undergo hybridization and/or protein binding and a signal is obtained. Digital image analysis is then used for code identification and analyte quantification.

The particles tested in initial studies were 50mm x 50 mm x 20mm thick and designed from polystyrene film. Progentec is capable of producing particles down to 5mm on a side and of various substrates such as nylon. The polystyrene platform has proven to be very sensitive and specific. To date, immunoassays and oligonucleotide assays have given very good results with sensitivities of 30 ng/mL. Non-specific binding assays show the promise of the Biotaggant to perform highly-specific multiplex analysis. It is anticipated that the sensitivities will further improve with particle optimization. Progentec has the technology to minimize the particle to at least 5 mm per dimension and possibly obtain sub-micron dimensions.

We are very enthused about the potential of the Biotaggant. These particles are very sensitive and it may be possible to do multiplex analysis without the need for PCR to amplify the target DNA. This is an exciting possibility", asserts Dr. Esterberg of Progentec. In addition, it may be possible to perform DNA and immunoassays simultaneously with the Biotaggant, expanding its potential applications."

The Biotaggant is unlike other particle-based platforms in that the identification of the particles is not dependent on analog fluorescence, but rather on the two-dimensional code which eliminates interpretation error and allows the encryption of more information that can be useful to researchers and clinicians. Progentec has the ability to produce one million unique codes. The visible code can also be directly interpreted which may be useful in certain applications including qualitative clinical testing.

Founded in 2000, Progentec is located in Minneapolis, MN. The company has finished phase one development of the Biotaggant platform and is now seeking strategic development partners. The next phase will be the development of a reader and software.

For further information, please contact:
Progentec, LLC.
Email: info@progentec.com
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-875-6769