GRI has supplied the Guava PCA (Personal Cell Analyser) from Guava Technologies for use in the UK Stem Cell Bank at the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)
The system will be used to assess the quality of the stem cells laid down in the cell bank.
Stem cell research is one of the most exciting areas of 21st century science.
Stem cells present the potential to replace diseased and damaged tissues with healthy new ones.
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, cancer and diabetes, which are currently incurable, are potential targets for this exciting new therapy.
Embryonic stem (ES) cell lines are generated in the laboratory by culturing cells from the inner cell mass of the embryonic blastocyst.
NIBSC was appointed to host the UK stem cell bank in within its division of cell biology in September 2002 funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
The bank provides a repository for stem cell lines derived from adult, foetal and embryonic tissues and operates under appropriate and accredited quality systems to support the development of research grade and clinical grade stem cells.
The quality of the stem cells laid down in the UK stem cell bank is assessed using the Personal Cell Analyser (PCA) from Guava Technologies (supplied by GRI).
The cell health profile (cell count, cell viability and apoptotic index) is generated for each stem cell line prior to storage.
This process ensures that all stem cell lines are stored in optimal conditions to provide a consistent supply of research and clinical grade material to academic and commercial researchers in both the UK and overseas. Paul Wheeler, Guava Technologies product specialist at GRI, commented: "This is an exciting new technology supporting the cutting edge of UK stem cell research".
Additionally, Lyn Healy, senior scientist at NIBSC Stem Cell Labs added: "We selected the PCA because it combined efficient analysis, user-friendly software and above all a means to produce validated results compliant with our quality systems."
