Avacta Analytical, a leading provider of analytical services and technologies, has unveiled the Optim^® 2 microvolume protein analysis and characterisation instrument. This compact and robust system combines the powerful protein characterisation capabilities of the original Optim 1000 instrument with a new, application-oriented software package designed to increase throughput and functionality. The Optim 2 features an enhanced sample positioning system to offer even greater measurement accuracy and reproducibility, and has been designed to simplify servicing and maintenance for maximum uptime.

The Optim 1000 was developed to reduce the time and cost of therapeutic protein formulation studies and protein stability testing by offering simultaneous measurement of a range of protein stability indicating parameters, including unfolding transition temperature (T_m) and aggregation onset temperature (T_agg). The Optim 2 builds on the success of this instrument, providing greater functionality and measurement flexibility in a more user-oriented, application-focused package. Its intuitive control software has been developed around common protein development workflows, offering quick and easy access to a range of pre-programmed measurement types for faster method development. Combined with a powerful and easy-to-use analytical package, this provides a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for stability screening of candidate molecules or formulations much earlier in the development process.