Applied Biosystems
Overview
Applied Biosystems is a global biotechnology company specializing in the development and production of various scientific instruments, reagents, and software for the fields of life sciences and molecular biology. The company's products are used in research, clinical, and forensic labs worldwide to facilitate a wide range of applications, including gene sequencing, drug discovery, and forensic analysis.
History
Founded in 1981 in Foster City, California, Applied Biosystems was initially a division of Perkin-Elmer Corporation, a company with a long history in the scientific instrument industry. The company was established with the aim of developing and commercializing the first automated DNA sequencer, a goal it achieved in 1986 with the introduction of the ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer.
In 1993, Applied Biosystems introduced the first capillary electrophoresis DNA sequencer, the ABI PRISM 3100 Genetic Analyzer, which revolutionized the field of genomics by significantly increasing the speed and efficiency of DNA sequencing.
In 2008, Applied Biosystems merged with Invitrogen, forming a new entity known as Life Technologies. This merger brought together two leading companies in the life sciences industry, expanding their product offerings and enhancing their global reach. In 2014, Life Technologies was acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific, a world leader in serving science. Today, Applied Biosystems continues to operate as a brand under Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Products and Services
Applied Biosystems offers a broad range of products and services for the life sciences and molecular biology fields. These include:
Instruments
Applied Biosystems produces a variety of instruments used in genetic analysis, including DNA sequencers, real-time PCR systems, and mass spectrometers. These instruments are designed to provide high-quality, reliable results in a wide range of applications.
Reagents
The company also offers a comprehensive selection of reagents for use in genetic analysis, including DNA and RNA extraction kits, PCR and sequencing reagents, and various types of enzymes. These reagents are designed to optimize the performance of Applied Biosystems' instruments and ensure the accuracy of results.
Software
Applied Biosystems provides software solutions for data analysis and management in genetic analysis. These software solutions are designed to streamline workflows, improve data quality, and facilitate the interpretation of complex genetic data.
Research and Development
Applied Biosystems has a strong commitment to research and development, continually investing in the development of new products and technologies to advance the field of life sciences. The company's R&D efforts are focused on improving the speed, accuracy, and affordability of genetic analysis, with the aim of enabling new discoveries in biology and medicine.
Impact and Significance
Applied Biosystems has made significant contributions to the field of life sciences, particularly in the area of genetic analysis. The company's products have played a crucial role in many groundbreaking scientific discoveries and have been instrumental in the advancement of various fields, including genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery.