Analyser offers integrated solutions for medium throughput cell-based drug profiling, target validation and assay development
Amersham Biosciences has announced the availability of In Cell Analyser 1000.
The modular image analysis platform provides a flexible system to address a range of biological applications in drug discovery.
Scientists in pharma, biotech, and academia with medium throughput requirements can use the adaptable In Cell Analyser 1000 for screening, lead profiling, target validation and assay development.
This modular sub-cellular imaging system can be used to observe live cells in culture for responses to potential drug compounds to ascertain whether the compounds will be effective as drugs or toxic to cells or to delineate gene function.
In Cell Analyser 1000 can also be used as an assay development station to the In Cell Analyser 3000, Amersham Biosciences's high throughput, high content sub-cellular imaging and analysis system, to provide a complete system for screening, lead profiling and target validation in drug discovery.
By analysing real-time events in live cells, the In Cell platform gives more biologically relevant information which is a pre-requisite to understanding functional biology and the role genes and proteins play in the cause of disease.
In Cell 1000 is part of an integrated system comprising instrumentation, assays, algorithms and software.
Its open architecture enables scientists to use a variety of automation options.
The platform is compatible with a variety of assay formats, including fluorescence-, bright field-, and luminescence-based assays. Advanced analysis software included with IN Cell Analyzer 1000 has been designed to address specific assays with validated analysis modules for automated operations.
To complement the In Cell 1000 and 3000 platforms, Amersham Biosciences is developing a comprehensive panel of profiling assays for a planned launch in 2004.
"In Cell Analyser 1000 is an extremely flexible platform that meets a range of biological applications from basic research through to medium throughput screening, and will be of particular use in lead profiling and target validation," comments Cathy Howat, vice president marketing cell analysis and screening, discovery systems at Amersham Biosciences.
"It is ideally suited for rapid image acquisition and analysis for cell-based assays.
"In high throughput environments, In Cell Analyser 1000 can be used easily as a multipurpose assay development station, accommodating a variety of assay formats".
The system's open design provides users with complete flexibility in dye choice, automation linking and image analysis.
In addition, the modular design of In Cell Analyser 1000 will facilitate easy system upgrades to enable an extended range of live and fixed cell-based assays to be performed.
In Cell Analyser 1000 comprises a Nikon microscope, high-resolution CCD camera, quality optics, laser auto-focus, and a motorised stage.
In Cell Analyser 1000 is covered by Amersham Biosciences's wide range of global customer support services delivered by Labcrew.
