Agilent BioTek Cytation 1 Cell Imaging Multimode Reader

Interest has intensified recently in the use of 3D models in life sciences research, to improve the understanding of basic cellular processes and reduce drug attrition rate. In the past, however, 3D models have proven difficult to reliably cultivate long enough to perform multiple dosing studies as well as to monitor chronic toxicity, long-term kinetic analyses, and stem cell differentiation. With a focus on four key applications, this application eBook speaks to these challenges - demonstrating robust workflows for high-throughput spheroid assembly and long-term quantitative analysis.

T Cell mediated cytotoxicity is an important part of new methods being developed to fight cancer. This application note demonstrates a methodolgy for automated monitoring and measurement of CTL-mediated cytotoxicity .

To meet the demand for increased hepatotoxicity testing, automation has been incorporated to streamline the procedure and reduce the need for large-scale manual manipulations. Typically, liquid handling systems have been large, expensive, and required placement into clean rooms for sterile processing. While this type of solution is suitable for larger core facilities, the size and cost can be prohibitive to the typical academic research lab. This application note demonstrates the ability to combine liquid handling with a novel cell imaging multi-mode reader to perform automated 3D hepatotoxicity studies, which will drastically reduce the overall costs for academic researchers.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common malady whose major feature is fat accumulation in the liver, which can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis. One phenotypic marker for this disease is the presence of intracellular neutral lipid droplets. An in vitro model for this phenotype uses the exposure of cells to free fatty acids to elicit the response. Here we describe the automation of the assay workflow using a BioSpa™ 8 Automated Incubator linked to a Cytation™ 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader and a MultiFlo™ FX Microplate Dispenser.

Xavier Amouretti, head of product management, Biotek, describes the Cytation 1, a third generation microplate detection and imaging platform. This innovative system enables cellular assay multiplexing and high-resolution imaging of cells in real time.

The Cytation™ Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader by BioTek Instruments, Inc. has been an invaluable instrument within the Gunning laboratory in Toronto, Canada, helping to accelerate drug discovery by enabling the identification of many promising small molecules in pre-clinical trials. Watch this video to find out more.

From CRISPR screening in primary T cells to photodynamic therapy for curing cancer, we take a look back at research highlights and emerging technologies from the past year

New Peltier cooling module by BioTek prevents temperature fluctuations in multimode cell imagers

Professor Patrick Gunning discusses the multidisciplinary approach that is helping his team to fast-track the development of small molecules for treating cancer