The launch of such a product is a bold move for Olympus, who have hailed this instrumentation as the next dimension in screening as it fills an as-yet unmet need for scientific methods that allow large-scale functional studies of molecules in their natural environment
Automation in the handling and analysis of large sets of data have been taken into consideration during the design and testing stage of this product being equally well suited to handle standard assays as well as assay development.
The modular 'optical bench' design of the Olympus scan^R Screening Station allows users to adapt the system to the specific applications of R&D labs as easily as to those of multi-user environments.
scan^R can handle numerous sample formats including multi-well plates, slides and custom-built arrays.
The image analysis and advanced data evaluation tools enable it to complete a wide range of standard and bespoke assays, such as gene expression, translocation and cell cycle analysis.
The scan^R Screening Station handles fixed and live cells, tracking changes over time enabling users to see the true end-point of an assay and not miss any important data.
To achieve this, the scan^R incorporates advanced software and hardware modules controlled via an easy to use interface. These provide precise control of the microscope, focus, image display, as well as dedicated file and folder storage.
As a result, the system produces 6-dimensional (X, Y, Z, t, ë & location) images. Once acquired, images can be automatically analysed by a comprehensive set of cytometry-oriented modules.
These allow for full image processing, object and sub-object detection, parameter calculation as well as sophisticated gating and analysis algorithms.
To extend the functionality of scan^R, a series of optional components can be added. For example, the scan^R can be used with the Olympus cell^R imaging station to produce powerful high-speed imaging as well as high throughput screening.
The Olympus cell^cubator professional environmental control chamber enables sensitive live cell imaging and a plate loading robot greatly enhances automation.
Other features such as an IR laser-based autofocus, tera-byte data storage facility and professional workbench add even more flexibility to the scan^R.
More details to the screening station's availability can be viewed at Olympus' >website.