FEI Introduces Titan Krios(TM) TEM For Structural Biology

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 06 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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FEI Company (Nasdaq:FEIC) has introduced a revolutionary, high-throughput, cryo transmission electron microscope (TEM) that combines high- throughput sample handling with state-of- the-art electron optics. It provides fast, fully-automated three-dimensional data about biological molecules and macromolecular complexes. Designed specifically for the needs of cellular and structural biologists, the all-new Titan Krios™ TEM enables visualization of intricate interactive mechanisms of individual proteins and molecular machines within the three dimensional architecture of living cells.

"Traditional two-dimensional imaging techniques simply can't reveal the full complexity of biological cells. Cryo-TEM provides a unique technique delivering critical detailed information about macromolecular machines and their localization and dynamics within cells," explained Matthew Harris, vice president of FEI's NanoBiology division. "Now we are even at the point of visualizing parts of fundamental biological processes down to the molecular level. This capability has the potential to further the understanding of biological pathways in significant disease fields such as cardiovascular disease or cancer."

The Titan Krios is ideal for advanced, high-resolution, dual-axis cryo electron tomography of frozen hydrated cells and cell organelles, single particle analysis and 2D electron crystallography. Based on FEI's industry-leading Titan platform, the Titan Krios delivers superb stability and imaging with the flexibility of selecting optimum acceleration voltages between 80 and 300 kV. The Titan Krios also features robotic, contamination-free "auto-loading" of up to 12 frozen samples and 24x7 operation due to liquid nitrogen auto fill systems. Finally, its environmental instrument enclosure provides optimal thermal and acoustic shielding reducing installation and operating requirements.

The innovative Titan Krios was developed in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany. Professor Wolfgang Baumeister, director of the institute, is a globally-acclaimed leader in life science research.

"Proteomic studies have yielded detailed lists of proteins present in the cell. Comparatively little is known, however, about how these proteins interact and are spatially arranged within the 'functional modules' of the cell: that is, the 'molecular sociology' of the cell," commented professor Baumeister. "This gap is now being bridged by using emerging experimental techniques such as single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The Titan Krios, the latest generation of electron microscopes, can enable us to view those protein complexes in action within cells, providing unprecedented insights into protein interaction networks."

FEI will formally launch the Titan Krios this week at the Biophysical Society Meeting (February 2-6) at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. It will also be featured at an upcoming Frontiers in Microscopy symposium at the Bavarian Academy of Science in Munich, Germany, on April 15. The joint scientific meeting is being co-organized by FEI and the Max Planck Institute.

Complete information on the performance and technical aspects of the Krios, early experimental results and additional information on the Frontiers in Microscopy symposium can all be found at http://www.fei.com/TitanKrios.

About FEI Company

FEI (Nasdaq:FEIC) is a world leader in pioneering industry-leading technologies and applications that deliver imaging solutions for 3D characterization, analysis and modification/prototyping with resolutions down to the sub-Ångström level. Our customers, working in advanced research and manufacturing, are supported by field-experienced applications specialists and open access to FEI's prestigious global user network so they can succeed in accelerating nanoscale discovery and contribute to better living through new product commercialization. FEI's NanoPorts in North America, Europe and Asia provide centers of technical excellence where our world-class community of customers and specialists collaborate on the ongoing development of new ideas and innovative solutions. FEI has sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More information can be found at: http://www.fei.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include statements about future performance and new applications of our Titan Krios TEM. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the inability of customers to develop and deploy the expected new applications. Additional factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to unforeseen problems or technology challenges arising in the beta phase of the product introduction; problems moving the product from beta to production release; problems in manufacturing the product; and failure of a key supplier or technology partner. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

http://www.fei.com