The Automation Partnership's (TAP) Cellcelector commercial automated stem cell picker is on show at the Stem Cells World Congress in Palm Springs, USA.
Cellcelector consists of an inverted Olympus microscope, robotic arm and liquid handling station, all fully integrated into powerful image acquisition and analysis software.
This system allows researchers to set parameters for cell or colony types they want (including size, proximity to other colonies or roundness) and the picking tool on the robotic arm gently picks and dispenses cells into a microplate well in just 30 seconds.
Using the Cellcelector benefits researchers by reducing the time and effort required for this challenging task and assuring the cells chosen are of consistent quality.
The compact Cellcelector can fit into any standard laminar-flow hood, ensuring cells remain contamination-free.
The system can also be fitted with an autoclave-compatible metal tool for scraping adherent cells or a disposable glass capillary for picking single cells, both of which are designed with features for maintaining cell integrity and viability.
Cellcelector, developed by German cell biology automation specialists, Aviso, is being used in universities and institutes across Europe with murine and human stem cells.
The system, now available in the USA and Canada exclusively from TAP, will also be shown at LabAutomation 2009, Palm Springs, USA.
