MDS Analytical Technologies this week introduced six-channel and two-channel versions of the SpectraMax L, a new multiple photomultiplier-based platform for microplate luminometers. The SpectraMax is designed for drug-discovery scientists who screen small molecules for biological activity and life sciences researchers who investigate protein-protein interactions.
The six-channel SpectraMax L microplate reader system reads 96-well and 384-well microplates six times faster than conventional microplate luminometers, according to the company. The two-channel instrument reads flash and glow luminescence twice as fast as conventional microplate luminometers, and enables bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays for proteomics studies, the manufacturer said.
MDS Analytical Technologies expects both the six-channel and two-channel versions of the SpectraMax L microplate reader to be available for shipment in March 2009.
MDS Analytical Technologies also announced this week the availability of MetaMorph 7.6 software, which features new application modules for three-dimensional motion tracking and micronuclei detection.
MetaMorph, which is compatible with MDS Analytical Technologies’ line of cellular imaging products, also incorporates a number of other enhancements, including support for enhanced deconvolution with Qioptiq Imaging Solutions’ OptiGrid structured illumination microscopy, and automated slide handling, the company said.
Multidimensional motion analysis will allow users to select multiple objects and track their position and velocity within the sample volume.
Another enhancement to MetaMorph 7.6 is the micronuclei application module, a new product that allows users to find, evaluate, and quantitate micronuclei in any nucleated cell.
The company said that competitive application modules only allow users to find micronuclei in a multi-nucleated cell. Using additional probes, the micronuclei application module also enables users to differentiate between mitotic, apoptotic, and necrotic cells.
The OptiGrid SIM is now fully controlled using MetaMorph software via a USB connection.
Along with MetaMorph 7.6, the Ludl Electronic Productsslide handling system offers scientists an expandable solution for microscope automation. A single arm functions to pull the slide from the cassette to the stage and then return it with an opposite pushing motion. As the precision XY stage scans the slide, the transfer mechanism is clear of any interference with normal microscope function.
PerkinElmer this week announced the launch of the EnSpire family of multilabel plate readers, including EnSpire, EnSpire Alpha, and EnSpire AlphaPLUS.
EnSpire plate readers are available in three configurations: EnSpire, a quad monochromator-based detection platform for UV/absorbance and fluorescence intensity; EnSpire Alpha, for dedicated use of PerkinElmer's ALPHA technology; and EnSpire AlphaPLUS, for multi-functionality enabling both ALPHA and ELISAs, which includes ALPHA and UV/Absorbance detection technologies.
Core features of the EnSpire family of compact plate readers include: quad monochromator performance with the EnSpire; cleanest possible fluorescence signal, providing greatly improved signal to noise ratio compared with dual monochromator systems; flexibility to scan or select any wavelength; intuitive, user-friendly software and touchscreen interface; pre-set AlphaScreen and ELISA assay protocols with EnSpire AlphaPLUS; "start wizard" for instant protocol creation; positive identification of filters to provide fast and safe assay setup; and an integrated computer to save desktop space and provide easy installation out of the box.
JPT Peptide Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jerini, announced this week the launch of its PepTrack product line.
The PepTrack line is designed for peptides in T-cell assays (ELISPOT, CFC, ICS and others).
JPT offers four delivery options for T-cell assays: Fast Track for proteome-wide T-cell epitope discovery programs; Research Track for T-cell epitope mapping studies; Discovery Track for immune monitoring
applications; and Trial Track for vaccination trials.
Labcyte this week announced the launch of the Intellectual Scheduler for its POD 810 system, which assembles assay-ready "plates-on-demand" for drug discovery.
Unlike traditional sequential schedulers, the Labcyte Intellectual Scheduler is event-based, with built-in intelligence to automatically adjust workflow, the manufacturer said. Using a wizard-based tool, users can set up a complex run and walkaway assay.
Labcyte also announced the addition of its new Echo Plate Reformat software to its suite of applications for POD plate assemblers and Echo liquid handlers. Echo Plate Reformat software uses a color-coded, drag-and-drop approach to enable users to design assay plates or to reformat existing source plates.
The Automation Partnership this week launched a high-throughput nanoliter plate production system called Coda.
Coda was developed to allow sample management groups to efficiently create nanoliter assay-ready plates for screening customers, the manufacturer said.
The system is capable of creating standard block-replication plates, as well as cherry-picked and IC50 plates. It can add DMSO or buffer to compounds, and insert test-specific controls or standards anywhere within the output plates.
The Coda architecture allows other peripheral devices such as centrifuges, sealers, and labelers to be integrated into the work flow. TAP's PlateSafe storage and transfer system can be used both for work cell loading, and for longer-term storage of the source plate collections. Coda also includes a storage carousel facilitating random access to source plates.
When coupled with relevant modules of TAP's Concerto sample management software, Coda provides flexibility in terms of the formats of output plates that can be created. Concerto modules can also be used to create intermediate dilution plates via existing equipment, and to collate multiple orders to run efficiently on the work cell.
Concerto can be configured to augment an existing sample management system.