Acton, Massachusetts, March 2004 - For some researchers, low signal-to-noise ratio is a common concern with homogeneous assays. As a result, increased reagent usage may improve readings. Corning Life Sciences offers NBS microplates with a surface that does not bind to significantly enhance signal-to-noise ratio, particularly at low reagent concentrations, while reducing assay costs.

Homogeneous assays that have issues with "sticky proteins" could benefit from NBS microplates. The patented surface treatment on these plates creates an uncharged hydrophilic layer that minimizes protein and nucleic acid interaction with the well surface. The result is enhanced assay performance by both improving assay signal and better maintaining enzyme activity compared to untreated polystyrene microplates. Customers running assays with kinase or protease have reported significant signal enhancement with these microplates.

Corning NBS microplates are available in 96 and 384 well formats, including low volume 384 well microplates.

For additional information on Corning Life Sciences products or surface technologies, please contact a customer service representative at 1-800-492-1110, toll free in the United States, (+1) 978-635-2200 internationally, or visit www.corning.com/lifesciences.

Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is a diversified technology company that concentrates its efforts on high-impact growth opportunities. Corning combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties of light, with strong process and manufacturing capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize significant innovative products for the telecommunications, information display, environmental, semiconductor, and life sciences industries.

For addition information, contact:

Corning Incorporated
Life Sciences
Media Communications Representative
Julie Eckmann
45 Nagog Park
Acton, MA 01720
Tel: 978.635.2296
E-mail:eckmannj@corning.com