PE Biosystems has announced that the Expedite 8909 synthesizer and the 16-column add-on MOSS unit will continue to be produced and enhanced. The Expedite synthesizer currently uses Biosearch crimped columns which have not changed since the mid-1980s, despite some clear design shortcomings:
Radical improvements are clearly overdue and we are happy to present the Glen Research version of the Expedite column.
Our testing of these columns over many syntheses has confirmed that their performance is at least equal to that of the previous columns while column to column reproducibility is considerably improved. Both 1 µmole and 0.2 µmole/40 nmole versions are available in the new format.
The Expedite synthesizer is extremely frugal in its use of reagents, enjoying a well-deserved reputation for providing low-cost oligos. This situation allows efficient use of monomers, especially expensive, unusual bases. In addition to use on the Expedite, testing of the new columns on ABI 394 synthesizers has allowed us to recommend the use of the 0.2 µmole and 40 nmole columns on the LV200 and LV40 cycles, respectively. It has been our conclusion for some time that the best synthesis cycle is the LV200 cycle and we are happy to now offer our unusual supports in columns which allow use of this cycle.
Effective immediately, our regular Biosearch columns will be replaced with the new columns. Catalog numbers and pricing of the regular support columns will remain the same. Pricing remains the same for empty columns and replacement frits. New catalog numbers are shown below:
For accurate ordering of unusual supports in these new columns, we will add the letter E (for Expedite) to the regular catalog numbers. For example,
1 µmole and 0.2 µmole dabcyl columns would have catalog numbers as shown:
Pack of four 3'-Dabcyl-CPG columns (1µm) 20-5911-41E
Pack of four 3'-Dabcyl-CPG columns (0.2µm) 20-5911-42E