Introducing an Advanced System for Real-Time Chemotaxis Research

A new high throughput solution for chemotaxis research has been created by combining an automated microplate cytometer with an advanced microconduit array system.

The advanced approach for living cell analysis comprises the TTP LabTech (Cambridge, United Kingdom) Acumen eX3 microplate cytometer and the BellBrooks Labs (Madison, WI, USA) "iuvo” Chemotaxis Assay Plate.

The Acumen eX3 performs cell-based screening using up to three lasers (at 405, 488, and 633 nm) and simultaneous four color detection for each laser to provide content-rich data. This enables a wide range of fluorescent reagents to be combined in multicolor, multiplexed assays. Nonetheless, data file sizes are significantly smaller than those generated by high content imaging technologies are. With an achievable throughput of over 300,000 wells per day, the Acumen eX3 has become an enabling platform for many high content screening organizations.

The "iuvo” Chemotaxis Assay Plate is a high content, automation friendly microconduit array plate that facilitates horizontal chemotaxis in the presence of a defined gradient. Three-dimensional cell culture is easy to carry out, and the entire compartment is accessible to microscope-based instruments as well as plate scanners. The microchannel environment reduces dilution of secreted signaling molecules, and the media can be sampled for analysis of secreted factors.

Dr. Paul Wylie, Acumen product manager at TTP LabTech, said, "This has proved a successful combination of products for customers involved with chemotaxis as the Acumen eX3 and ”iuvo” plates offer an efficient alternative to the more traditional microscopy set-up requiring further off-line analysis. Setting up a good gradient often poses a challenge, but the "iuvo” plates eradicate this issue. The Acumen offers a fast and accurate analysis of the chemotaxis assay and whole well scanning enables multiple cell movements to be captured and analyzed within any one well.”

Related Links:
TTP LabTech
BellBrooks Labs