Our GlycoDecoder is the culmination of years of method development and optimization to produce a glycan analysis instrument that provides superior performance surpassing conventional liquid chromatographic systems available on the market.
Glycan Analysis Instrument
The technology behind GlycoDecoder
Our GlycoDecoder instrument lineup is built on top of multiplexed capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser-induced fluorescence detection (xCGE-LIF) systems which were originally developed for high-performance genomic sequencing, such as the Genetic Analyzer series of devices by Applied Biosystems.
Through years of experience and method optimization, we have developed our very own glyconeering procedure to upgrade Genetic Analyzer instruments to perform high-throughput glycan analysis at a fraction of the cost of conventional chromatography systems.
We offer preconfigured GlycoDecoder instruments for sale, or can perform on-site glyconeering of your own instruments as a service.
Advantages of GlycoDecoder
Capillary electrophoresis is distinctly superior to conventional high-performance liquid chromatography techniques in various aspects.
The complete package
Our GlycoDecoder instruments represent the instrument module of our glyXbox glycan analysis platform. They are complemented by a range of our products covering the glycan analysis process from sample preparation, to measurement, and final data analysis.
The initial setup process for your purchased GlycoDecoder instruments will be performed by one of our service engineers who will also provide an extensive on-site teaching to bring you up to speed and analyze samples in no time.
We furthermore offer comprehensive instrument maintenance services as well as high-quality technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glyconeering is our custom-developed procedure to upgrade Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzer instruments to perform high-performance glycan analysis.
Specifically, the process includes the following:
Installation of a new solid-state laser
By default, Genetic Analyzer instruments are outfitted with an argon laser for the excitation of fluorescent dyes. This type of laser has a suboptimal excitation wavelength for the excitation of glycan reactive dyes and produces a large amount of excess heat.
All glyconeered xCGE-LIF instruments are equipped with a solid-state laser with an optimal excitation wavelength. As a positive side effect, the energy consumption of a solid-state laser is lower than that of an argon laser by a factor of 20, which results in greatly reduced operating costs.
Performing a spectral calibration using a set of glycan reactive dyes
During spectral calibration the xCGE-LIF instrument is calibrated to a defined set of dyes, which have been specially developed by us for this purpose.
The xCGE-LIF system enables the simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescent dyes in separate spectral channels. Accordingly, this enables the simultaneous measurement and detection of a glycan sample (labeled with one dye) with a dedicated internal glycostandard (labeled with another tailored dye which is detected inside a different spectral channel). The internal standard facilitates migration time alignment of samples, which subsequently enables database supported glycan peak annotation.
Comprehensive qualification of the instrument for glycan analysis
The qualification of the xCGE-LIF system verifies the successful spectral calibration, and ensures excellent separation performance and a sensitive sample detection.
Yes. We offer to glyconeer your existing instruments as a service. Buying a new instrument is not a requirement.
Multiplexed denotes that the xCGE-LIF system features several capillaries in parallel. Setups with 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 or 96 capillaries are possible, which allow simultaneous measurement of as many samples as there are capillaries. Accordingly, an xCGE-LIF system with 16 capillaries effectively replaces 16 conventional UPLC systems.
No. While a background in molecular biology will certainly help, it is not strictly necessary. We offer various teachings with different levels of depth to perform high-quality glycan analysis on GlycoDecoder instruments depending on your background.
The basic 3-day on-site training covers maintenance and operation of the GlycoDecoder instrument, including sample preparation and data interpretation.
For newcomers to the field of glycan analysis we offer supplemental teaching covering the basics of glycobiology and glycan analytical techniques. On top of that, we can provide off-site consultancy and troubleshooting services.
Our GlycoDecoder instruments have several distinct advantages over HILIC-UPLC systems.
Low operating costs
- low energy consumption due to solid-state laser
- no solvents or buffers (and their disposal) required
- minimal maintenance time, i.e. no lengthy buffer preparation, exchange, and pump purging
- no parts under high pressure means no risk of breaking sealings, pressure sensors, or pumps
- no aging separation column or pre-column, the separation polymer is replaced after each run
Robust measurements
- no clogging or blocking of the system when separation polymer is replaced after each run
- samples can be analyzed without prior cleanup since only labeled glycans are selectively injected
- no loss of sample volume due to electrokinetic injection, minimal amounts of samples can be measured and remeasured hundreds of times
- high separation performance, peaks are symmetrically gaussian shaped with neither fronting nor tailing
- no peak broadening or tailing due to sample overloading
- consistent separation quality and no sample carry-over when separation polymer is replaced after each run
Easy to handle
- instruments were originally developed to ensure interruption-free 24/7 DNA sequencing for the human glycome project
- easy sample comparison due to combination of highly reproducible separation and consistent migration times of glycan peaks based on an internal alignment standard
Still have more questions?
If you would like more technical information about GlycoDecoder or need help deciding which device configuration is the right one for your project, please feel free to get in touch with our experts and we are happy to help you with any questions you have.