New Autoflex™ High-Throughput Option for MALDI Biotyper Identification

The autoflex™ speed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer is a high-throughput option for microbial identification by molecular fingerprinting using Bruker's MALDI Biotyper platform. Most MALDI Biotyper customers will continue to utilize Bruker's economical and easy-to-use benchtop microflex™ MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

However, for selected high-throughput microbiology laboratories the autoflex speed may be an attractive option due to its even higher throughput, reduced maintenance requirements and further extended uptime. Especially if interfacing to sample preparation robotics for highest laboratory throughput, or even 24/7 walk-away automation is planned for the future, then the autoflex speed is recommended.

Further technical advancements of the autoflex speed for the MALDI Biotyper workflow are:

• 1 kilohertz proprietary Bruker smartbeam™ solid-state laser and system electronics for a unmatched speed and throughput for high-volume microbiology laboratories,


• Proprietary Bruker smartbeam™ laser lifetime specified with >109 laser shots,


• MALDI Perpetual™ Ion Source with IR-laser based self-cleaning in only 15 minutes and without additional down-time, as source cleaning can be performed under vacuum,


• Automated source cleaning for extended maintenance intervals and enhanced instrument uptime,


• Transponder-aided MALDI target tracking;

Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, Vice President for Clinical Research & IVD at Bruker Daltonics, stated: 'The autoflex speed represents an important new high-throughput option for MALDI Biotyper bacterial identification in large microbiology laboratories. The smartbeam laser with greater than 109 laser shots is virtually a 'life time laser' for the instrument, considering the microbial identification throughput even in large laboratories.'

Mr. Jetze Botma, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of KIESTRA Lab Automation, further commented: 'Most of KIESTRA's current customers request an integration of a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer in our Total Lab Automation or Workcell Automation projects. With more than 20 years of experience in MALDI-TOF technology Bruker has the competence to fulfill even the highest demands in that respect. In addition to Bruker's microflex we will in the future also use the autoflex speed, when cutting edge technology is requested in high throughput microbiology laboratories.'