New reader speeds up cell-based assays
throughput and data quality in functional screening of G-Protein
coupled receptors and calcium channels in drug discovery and
research.
Based on CyBio's technology for 1536-well flash luminescence detection, the throughput is now boosted by the introduction of the CyBi-Lumax flash HT.
Ultra high throughput is achieved by the use of a CCD camera capable of detecting the well signals from the bottom of a plate. A 16-fold parallel non-contact dispenser injects cells or reagents.
The 16-channel dispenser of this reader enables flash luminescence reading times of less than 60 seconds for 384-well plates and less than 3 minutes in the 1536-well format.
Christoph Wenger, product manager at CyBio told DrugResearcher.com: "Three years ago, we identified the technology in which this product is based on. The product was launched at a time when there was a need for flash luminescence reading in HTS."
The CyBi-Lumax flash HT can dispense cells to start the receptor activation signal within the reader. Cell settling effects have been eliminated by recirculation of the cell suspension prior to each plate dispensing and measurement.
This procedure ensures optimal homogeneous cell distribution during the entire screening run. The pumps and nozzles of the dispenser are selected to eliminate cell stress and to retain the physiology and pharmacology of the cells.
Cost savings for cell-based GPCR and Calcium channel assays are enabled by the combination of agonist and antagonist screening using the CyBi-Lumax flash HT.
Wenger added: "The flash luminescence reader is suitable for GPCR research as well as work into calcium channel assays."
"The product would therefore have uses in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry facilitating drug research, HTS and productivity increases."
The luminescence reader market has seen the emergence of a handful of companies, which have harnessed its technology to produce a new generation of readers that can increase the throughput of flash luminescence assays.
Hamamatsu's FDSS system is an imaging based plate reader for cellular assays, assay development and high throughput screening. It is a modular fully integrated system with internal flexible robot, 96/384 well injectors and two detection units for both fluorescent and/or luminescent kinetic measurement.
Another producer is Perkin Elmer. It produces a range of luminescence readers that provide sensitive fluorometric detection at high speeds. The product enables customers to perform cell based identification of inhibitors of protein/protein interactions.
In commenting on the state of the current market Wenger said: "The future of the luminescence reader market is difficult to predict at the moment. Currently we are experiencing a period of stability but the luminescence reader market is expected to grow substantially as soon as the technology matures."
"As for Cybio, we expect to gain a significant market share particularly in the high throughput segment of the market."
CyBio will present the reader at the LabAutomation Conference and Exhibition, San Jose in January 2005. It is available now from a CyBio's network of US and European subsidiaries.
