Why Control Ozone?

Ozone is a by-product of industrial pollutants that can destroy cyanine and other fluorescent dyes used with microarray samples. Studies have shown that ozone levels in ambient lab air as low as 20 ppb can negatively affect array data. Eliminating ozone is essential to assay reproducibility (1,2). Other studies show that dyes are particularly sensitive to ozone during post-hybridization processing and during extended wait times in laser scanners. Degraded dyes can lead to varying results, confounding patient diagnostic outcomes (3).

NoZone® Workspaces Protect Data from Ozone Effects

NoZone® Workspaces are a reliable solution for controlling ozone during microarray washing and scanning. The Workspaces use a high efficiency ozone filtration system to continuously pump ozone-free air through a benchtop polycarbonate enclosure. The workspaces achieve and maintain safe ozone levels below 5 ppb within a few minutes after closing the doors.

Three NoZone® Systems are available for controlling ozone from array washing to scanning:

NoZone® WS Workspace

The standard NoZone® WS Workspace [Cat. #1090-13-1] provides an ozone-safe environment for operating the Little Dipper® Processor during ozone-sensitive array washing and drying. It features a single, wide flip-top door with hand accessible opening for working inside the enclosure.

NoZone® TL Workspace

The tall NoZone® TL Workspace [Cat. #1090-11-1] accommodates the Agilent DNA Microarray Scanner. The enclosure features two side-by-side doors that swing away to provide unimpeded access to the scanner. It also can accommodate other scanners or the Little Dipper® Microarray Processor.

NoZone® GP Workspace

The small NoZone® GP Workspace [Cat. #1090-12-1] is specifically designed for all GenePix scanners (MDS Analytical Technologies) including the Models 4000A and B and 4200AL series. The enclosure can be easily positioned over the scanner on the benchtop. The enclosure features two side by side doors for easy access to the scanner.

Tested with EPA-Approved Ozone Analyzer

Each NoZone® Workspace includes a NoZone® Ozone Scrubber tested at the factory to meet ozone level specifications. Test results, using a highly sensitive and accurate ozone monitor, are included with each system.

References:

1. Elimination of laboratory ozone leads to a dramatic improvement in the reproducibility of microarray gene expression measurements. Branham, WS, et al. BMC Biotechnol. 2007 Feb 12;7:8.
2. Effects of atmospheric ozone on microarray data quality. Fare, TL, et al. Anal Chem 2003 Sep 1;75(17):4672-5.
3. Automated Laboratory Solutions for Performing High-volume Array CGH. Sundin, K. et al. American College of Medical Genetics 2008 Mar 15.