Advanced Modular Microplate Washer from Molecular Devices to Showcase at Analytica 2008

25 Mar 2008

Product news

MDS Analytical Technologies will showcase its next generation AquaMax® 4000 series microplate washer at Analytica 2008 in hall A2, booth #534 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre April 1-4, 2008. This flexible washer offers a unique modular design that allows researchers to configure the system for their current microplate format and applications, while providing an affordable upgrade path when assay requirements change. The system’s 96- and 384-well wash heads are interchangeable to extend system capabilities on a single instrument platform. Primary instrument applications include ELISA, immunoassays, and cytotoxicity assays, as well as many cell-based assays used in high-throughput screening during the drug discovery process.

Washing all wells in the microplate simultaneously, the AquaMax system delivers very fast microplate processing—unlike conventional washers that sequentially fill wells by strip or quadrant dispensing. On-board, touch-screen programming gives researchers a high degree of control over microplate processing parameters providing fast and efficient plate washing. The system's highly efficient washing capability minimizes background interference and maximizes assay sensitivity. A comprehensive cleaning routine prevents clogged dispense head and probes—the primary cause of microplate washer failure. Unlike competitive instruments, AquaMax is completely self-contained and does not require external pumps or computers.

"The AquaMax washer series represents the latest advancements in liquid handling products. With the ability to use both 96- and 384-well wash heads on the base platform, customers can switch easily and quickly between formats, increasing their range of applications using one instrument," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "With the system's increased reliability, speed and flexibility, we expect customers will see significant time and cost savings over conventional wash systems."

For more information visit us in booth #534 at Analytica 2008.

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ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.High-Throughput ScreeningHigh-throughput screening (HTS) is an automated drug discovery technique for identification of active compounds against a compound library. Use HTS readers and integrated assay preparation / analysis workstations to screen your compounds. Identify active compounds against various HTS libraries, including membranes, proteins and peptides and HTS cell lines. Find the best high-throughput screening products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ADME-ToxicologyADME-toxicology (ADME-Tox) studies are used in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to assess the activity/toxicity of drugs <i>in vivo</i> or <i>in vitro</i>. Find bioassays for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug molecules including cytotoxicity, transporter/permeability, metabolism and activity assays as well as hepatocytes and cell lines for ADME. Find the best ADME-toxicology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.