The Australian Synchrotron will integrate bluechiip® tags onto mounting pins used in protein and chemical crystallography to allow for rapid mounting and automated tracking of samples.
Bluechiip Limited [ASX: BCT] - which has developed a unique asset-tracking solution initially for the healthcare and life science industry – today announced that the Australian Synchrotron will use bluechiip® technology for protein crystallography tracking and automation.
The project will be enabled via a $50,000 grant under the Victorian State Government’s STIUP Voucher Program.
Australian Synchrotron staff will integrate bluechiip® tags onto mounting pins used in the fields of protein and chemical crystallography. The aim of the research is to demonstrate the wireless tracking of a mounting pin’s identification and temperature history. It is expected that utilisation of this technology will allow both rapid mounting and automated tracking of samples which in turn will increase the efficiency of crystal screening and data collection.
Bluechiip technology overcomes the limitations that current tracking technologies – mainly 2D barcodes – have with frosting, becoming dislodged or becoming damaged. Existing tracking technologies cannot meet all the demands of the harsh environment experienced at a Synchrotron beam-line due to the varied nature of sample storage (+30°C to -196°C), frosting, radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing) and mechanical wear and tear.
The Australian Synchrotron, one of the world’s leading science and research facilities, provides researchers with access to cutting edge x-ray and infrared techniques with a wide range of applications in fundamental science and industrial research. Synchrotron technology is considered an essential component in the development of many knowledge-intensive industries, including biotechnology and nanotechnology, as well as more traditional industries such as pharmaceuticals, mining and telecommunications.
Brett Schwarz, Managing Director of Bluechiip Limited, said that opportunities exist to create a world-first tracking solution specific for macromolecular crystallography. “Importantly, this shows that our technology is truly a platform technology, with multiple market applications,” he said.
Alan Riboldi-Tunnicliffe from the MX beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron, said: “Introduction of the Bluechiip tracking technology would lead to vastly improved research processes allowing a much higher degree of automation and therefore better outcomes for our researchers. “
bluechiip media release company announcement - australian synchrotron final.pdf
Further information is available at www.bluechiip.com
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