PerkinElmer this week announced the launch of its Operetta system, a benchtop instrument that provides high-content screening and high-content analysis capabilities to drug discovery and cellular science research laboratories.
Operetta is an HCS/HCA instrument platform that employs PerkinElmer's proprietary new Harmony software, which the company said allows users to create configurable workflows via step-by-step procedures. A range of ready-made solutions for frequently used image analysis tasks is pre-installed. A scalable database for image management, and data analysis or retrieval is also installed. The Harmony software provides tools to develop high-content assays, image analysis storage and retrieval, as well as remote access capability.
To help new HCS users, PerkinElmer provides a step-by-step handbook to analyzing results, guiding researchers through the process, from using a ready-made solution to designing a new image analysis sequence from the building blocks provided.
BioTek Instruments this week introduced its monochromator-based Synergy Mx multi-mode microplate reader with ultra fine-tuned performance.
The top- and bottom-read fluorescence system is fully monochromator-based and equipped with a variable bandpass selection system, the company said. The system has quadruple grating architecture and automated Z-height adjustment of the top optical head, to accommodate different microplate heights with 100 µm resolution. Optimal sensitivity is also achieved especially for low-volume samples.
Shaking and temperature control systems as well as Gen5 data analysis software are standard on all Synergy Mx models.
Options include a UV-visible cuvette port and dual-reagent dispenser.
BioTek this week also introduced the EL406 1,536-well microplate washer dispenser. The instrument offers microplate washing and reagent dispensing in 1,536-well microplates, as well as 384-well and 96-well formats.
The EL406 incorporates many of the washing features of the ELx405 microplate washer, including BioTek's patented dual-action manifold. In addition, the EL406 is self-maintained, using integrated and patent-pending Ultrasonic Advantage to reduce or eliminate clogged manifold tubes. A valve switching module automates reagent switching of up to four different buffers.
Additionally, researchers no longer need to limit themselves to one reagent dispenser technology. Accurate and precise reagent dispensing is available in both peristaltic and microprocessor-controlled syringe drive reagent dispensing technologies; each with its unique advantages for specific assay requirements. All functions are controlled via Liquid Handling Control PC software or the instrument's onboard keypad, including multiple custom protocols, instant recall via QuickWash and QuickDispense, and downloaded protocols from LHC software.
All EL406 models are BioStack microplate stacker compatible to automate long and tedious assay processes of up to 50 standard height microplates.
Genedata this week announced the release of its High Content Analyzer, the latest addition to the Genedata Screener platform for high-content screening data analysis.
The Screener High Content Analyzer module combines high-content and high-throughput screening workflows in a single integrated application, the company said.
The manufacturer also said that the High Content Analyzer features streamlined processing, systematic quality control, and optimized management of HCS data. The Analyzer’s open architecture can capture and load assay data from any plate-based HCS instrument or image analysis software, and can interface with in-house instrumentation and existing IT infrastructure. The collected information is then managed in a single application.