Global Leader in Separations Technology Simplifies DNA Collection
Whatman Inc., a global leader in separations technology, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted two new patents for Whatman FTA technology. These two important additions to its rapidly expanding FTA patent portfolio illustrate unique embodiments for the technology into market-applicable formats.
Whatman FTA® is a unique technology that allows for the safe and rapid isolation of pure DNA at room temperature. Samples collected on Whatman FTA-treated products provide end-users with an established range of effective tools and innovative solutions for the collection, purification, transportation and archive of nucleic acids. Whatman FTA technology is widely used in industries including biotechnology, environmental science, medicine, forensics and agriculture to collect and store DNA.
On September 30, Whatman received U.S. patent 6,627,226 for its Whatman FTA Swab, the industry’s first specially constructed swab encompassing traditional FTA filter and chemical technologies designed to capture and preserve DNA without the need for a sample transfer device. On November 11, Whatman received U.S. patent 6,645,717 for the development of Whatman FTA Elute filter materials, a solid medium and process for storage and rapid purification of nucleic acid in solution, and a central component to the Whatman FTA GenSpin product line.
“In the lab or out in the field, Whatman FTA is an innovative technology that makes sample collection, purification and the DNA preservation process faster and more cost-effective,” said Dr. Martin Smith, vice president of research and development for Whatman. “We are proud to have been granted two patents for Whatman FTA technology, as it further demonstrates Whatman's commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of DNA collection.”
The Whatman FTA product family includes customized FTA cards designed for the collection and transportation of biological materials, and GenSpin and GenSpin Plant, hands-on kits designed for the rapid purification of genomic DNA from blood or plant samples.
About Whatman FTA
FTA is a chemical treatment, unique to Whatman that allows for the rapid isolation and protection of nucleic acids at room temperature. When samples are applied to FTA®-treated media, cell lysis occurs and high molecular weight DNA is immobilized within the matrix. Amplification or restriction enzyme digestion can be performed directly on the treated paper without the need for extensive extraction procedures.
About Whatman Genomics and Proteomics Group
The Whatman Genomics and Proteomics Group is one of four business development units within the Whatman organization. The Genomics and Proteomics group provides a broad range of technologies for the collection, transportation, purification and analysis of nucleic acids. The group focuses on customers researching DNA across a range of industries, including forensics, academic research, diagnostics, clinical research, environmental science and agriculture.
About Whatman
Whatman is a global leader in separations technology and is known in the scientific community for providing innovative life science products and solutions. Our instinct for simplification accelerates the rate of discovery, reduces costs and saves time.