Speed up your chemotaxis research with Acumen ^eX3

TTP LabTech has introduced a high throughput solution for chemotaxis research using the Acumen® ^eX3 microplate cytometer and the iuvo™ Chemotaxis Assay Plate from BellBrook Labs. Using this system, approximately four-fold time savings were achieved compared to a similar method using automated microscopy and off-line data processing.

The Acumen ^eX3 is a laser scanning microplate cytometer for the analysis of fluorescence in cell-based assays. In addition to offering enhanced multiplexing functionality, Acumen ^eX3 has a wide field of view that enables whole well and microchannel scanning. The iuvo™ Chemotaxis Assay Plate is a high-content, automation friendly microconduit array plate that facilitates horizontal chemotaxis in the presence of a defined gradient. The combination of Acumen ^eX3 with the iuvo microchannels results in a rapid and robust approach to neutrophil chemotaxis studies.

This exciting development offers scientists another assay that can be quickly and easily used as part of a primary screening oncology campaign.

Dr Paul Wylie, Acumen Product Manager, TTP LabTech comments, "This has proved a successful combination of products for customers involved with chemotaxis as the Acumen ^eX3 and iuvo plates offer an efficient alternative to the more traditional microscopy set-up requiring further off-line analysis." he continued, "Setting up a good gradient often poses a challenge, but the iuvo plates eradicate this issue. The Acumen offers a fast and accurate analysis of the chemotaxis assay and whole well scanning enables multiple cell movements to be captured and analysed within any one well."

For further information, view website: www.ttplabtech.com/ products/acumen/index.html  Refer to page 335

Need to freeze or cryopreserve PBMCs, primary cells,
stem cells or cord blood? The CryoPrep System makes
cell preservation simple, efficient and highly reproducible!

BioCision's modular CryoPrep System offers a complete solution for all cell freezing procedures - from ice-free cooling to convenient portability of cell samples and a controlled rate of freezing without alcohol. The CryoPrep system comprises three precision designed and manufactured products - CoolBox, CoolRack™ CFT and CoolCell - based on BioCision's novel patent-pending thermo-adaptive alloy.

The innovative CoolBox system fits all 30-well CoolRacks Cryotubes and comes with a 2°C cartridge for ice-free cell sample cooling. The cartridges consist of a gel pack with thermo-conductive alloy shell which enables fast cooling and recharge in a standard -20ºC lab freezer.

The 30-well CoolRack CFT features a micro-grip taper which holds any 12.5mm cryotubes securely for convenient one-handed opening and closing. CoolRack's high thermo-conductivity ensures rapid and reproducible equilibration of all wells to within 0.1ºC of the source temperature. In addition to eliminating temperature variability and providing stable, compact organisation, CoolRack saves valuable time and reduces user errors and accidents commonly associated with directly immersing tubes in dry ice, dry ice/alcohol slurries or liquid nitrogen.

CoolCell holds 12 screw cap 2ml cryotubes and features a solid thermal core for consistent, controlled -1ºC/minute cell freezing in a -80ºC freezer, without any alcohol. Requiring only minutes between freezing cycles and no maintenance, CoolCell is ideal for multiple batch freezing, ensuring identical freezing for all samples. The result is increased reproducibility and superior cell viability and function for scientific, clinical and diagnostic procedures. Because of the low thermal mass design, CoolCells release only one-third the heat given off by an alcohol-filled container. This means multiple CoolCells may be frozen simultaneously in a -80°C freezer without warming up the freezer or jeopardizing previously frozen samples.

According to Tiina Sepp, VP of New Product Development, BioCision, 'The CryoPrep System is an ideal workstation set for ice-free cold cryo vial preparation and alcohol-free cell freezing, enhancing both efficiency and reproducibility. Up to 30 cryo vial samples can be kept cold and dry using CoolRack and CoolBox, before freezing 12 samples per CoolCell in a -80°C freezer or dry ice locker. Versatility is also a key benefit of this modular system. For example, compact design and ice-free cartridge technology make CoolRack and CoolBox the perfect choice for use in tissue culture hoods, but dry ice, wet ice or liquid nitrogen may also be used as cooling sources.'

BioCision in profile
Headquartered in Mill Valley, California, USA, BioCision is the leading developer of portable benchtop tools for temperature-sensitive biomedical sample handling in basic and clinical research and diagnostics.

Developed to provide easy sample management solutions, BioCision's patented novel alloy thermoconductive modules enable easy collection, organization, protection and high reproducibility of sample (snap) freezing and cooling. The ease of use, elimination of user error and very high reproducible sample performance have led to CoolProducts becoming the new standard for biomedical sample management.

BioCision CoolProducts have been adopted by leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, many contract research organizations, and major academic and healthcare institutions worldwide.

For more information, view website: www.biocision.com  Refer to page 301

Ceramic tips enable innovative medical treatment for tumours

Morgan Technical Ceramics has designed and manufactured the ceramic tips for a ground-breaking medical device from Microsulis Medical Ltd that destroys tumours in a minimally invasive procedure.  As a result of using the new system, both patient trauma following surgery and post operation recovery time are significantly reduced.  Patients can be sent home on the day of surgery, reducing hospital stays, which is better for the patient and reduces the cost to healthcare providers.

The Acculis Microwave Tissue Ablation (MTA) system is an emerging technology used for the coagulation of soft tissue and clinicians have successfully used the device to treat tumours of the liver, lung, kidney and bone.

Critical to the ablation system is a 1.8mm diameter closed saline-cooled ceramic tipped needle - the Accu2i pMTA applicator - which pierces the patient's skin to reach the tumour.  High power, 2.45GHz microwave energy is then emitted through the tip of the needle directly into the tissue and controlled heating desiccates the tumour.

The device can address tumours up to 5.6 centimetres in size in just six minutes, and is between three to 10 times faster than other systems.  In alternative, more invasive treatments, patients would usually be in hospital recovering for up to three weeks following the procedure.

Morgan Technical Ceramics' applications engineers recommended Zirconia-based materials for the tip of the device as its high strength and mechanical properties enable small intricate shapes to be manufactured. This material can withstand extreme temperatures and is strong enough to be manufactured into a hollow fine point of 1.8mm in diameter without breaking.  It is also bio-compatible and has no adverse reaction with tissue.

With its world-class design expertise and specialist manufacturing capabilities, Morgan Technical Ceramics works in partnership with medical device manufacturers to develop competitive customised solutions to meet their needs.  Morgan Technical Ceramics has the capability to manufacture components to highly complex geometries, achieving exacting geometric tolerances without secondary machining.
The company can also provide the production capability to manage and support volume requirements ranging from low thousands to millions of components per year.

"We are delighted to be involved in a project that is set to change the way tumour surgery is performed," says Brian Turner, technical sales executive, Morgan Technical Ceramics.  "Components made from ceramic materials can now be manufactured to such small sizes and tight tolerances that they enable
ground-breaking techniques such as this to be developed."

"With the benefit of Morgan Technical Ceramics' extensive knowledge of 'micro-moulding' we have been able to bring this new product to market," says Stuart McIntyre, chief executive of Microsulis Medical. "Historically, cancer treatments have included invasive techniques, such as surgical removal of the tumour, or minimally invasive procedures, such as chemotheraphy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which come with their own problems. This ceramic tip has allowed us to develop a microwave ablative therapy that offers clinicians another option, with the potential to treat more patients and reduce costs."

The launch of the Accu2i pMTA applicator followed two years of extensive clinical use and evaluation in major medical centres in the US, Asia-Pacific, UK and Europe. The device is CE-marked, FDA 510(k) cleared and approved for use in many territories including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA and Canada.

For further information, e-mail: lorraine.henry@morganplc.com

Asynt's new Hotplate Stirrer package mixes
excellent features - saving one third off the list price

The Asynt Hotplate Stirrer kit includes the new Magnetic Hotplate Stirrer, together with Precision Temperature Controller, electronic contact thermometer, holding rod, support rod and boss head clamp - saving one-third off the list price for the individual items.

The new Hotplate Stirrer benefits from a stronger motor for effective operation at higher speeds, as well as ramping of the stirrer speed to prevent decoupling of the stirrer bar. Heat output of 600 W and an external temperature sensor ensure fast heating and accurate control - no more uncertainty about whether or not the solution has reached the required temperature.

With two independent temperature safety circuits, and a 'Hot Top' warning indicator to prevent burns, the Asynt Hotplate Stirrer is suitable for unsupervised operation. The hermetically sealed design protects the motor assembly from spillages, while the hotplate's siluminum surface makes it extremely resistant to chemical corrosion and scratches. Both features help guarantee a long service life.

Containing everything a chemist needs to set up for efficient stirring and accurate, integrated temperature control, this complete package is the perfect partner for the DrySyn range of heating blocks. By eliminating the hazards of hot silicon oil baths and mantles, DrySyn technology guarantees clean, safe synthesis for single or multiple reactions in anything from 1 ml vials up to 5000 ml flasks.

Asynt in profile
Asynt Ltd, based near Cambridge, was formed in July 2003 to develop, supply and support new and novel products and services for the organic chemist. The company developed the DrySyn range of products (launched in March 2004) and has successfully introduced partner company PharmaCore's custom synthesis services into the European market. Asynt products are developed by a team of chemists with 35 years combined experience and a mission to respond to the real needs of their colleagues in industry and academia. Asynt is committed to investment in new products and chemistries and plans to launch new ideas on a regular basis.

For further information, e-mail: sales@asynt.com or view website: www.asynt.com