This award recognises products that are set to change the sector. The category was open to nominations for reagents or instruments - ‘product’ could be interpreted broadly. Our judges were looking for evidence that nominated product had filled a gap in the market or provided an innovative solution to a known issue. They were also looking for products that could demonstrate success in the marketplace and the potential to disrupt the sector.

We congratulate Miltenyi for winning this category with their REAlease Releasable Antibodies.

The REAlease Fluorochrome Technology allows for removal of any labels from the cells after cell sorting in just one step. The technology relies on recombinantly engineered antibody fragments that are, unlike conventional antibodies, characterised by low epitope binding affinities.

Due to their unique engineered low binding affinity, by adding the REAlease Release Reagent after cell sorting, they spontaneously dissociate from the cell surface. As a result, label-free cells can be obtained after cell sorting providing maximal flexibility for a wide range of applications.

One nominee said: “The ability to realease the antibody completely from my ex vivo T cells makes me not worry about potential unspecific activation, and also enables me to use the brightest channels like PE again downstream of the initial sorting. I look forward to the day that all antibodies can be released after sorting!”

Dr Andrew Chalmers said: “Miltenyi’s product has received a large number of nominations both from within the company and from third party users. A worthy winner of this category, this product is set to make a significant difference in the sector.”

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