High Throughput Online-Measurement of Cell Activities without Labeling: The New xCELLigence RTCA MP Instrument

Following the launch of the xCELLigence RTCA SP Instrument in June, Roche Applied Science has introduced the new xCELLigence RTCA MP Instrument. In comparison with the RTCA SP, the new RTCA MP Instrument has a higher throughput capacity and it is more versatile which enables application on a wider range of experimental set-ups.

The new system features six E-Plates 96 as opposed to only one in the RTCA SP; this advantage increases the result output by factor six. Each E-Plate can be individually addressed in independent experiments enabling a larger group of researchers to work simultaneously. The new system will find its preferred use in the field of pharma research; the first systems have already been delivered to major pharmaceutical companies.

The heart of each xCELLigence System is a micro-electronic biosensor which is built into each well of the standard 96 well E Plate microtiter plates. A cell which has contact with the sensor changes the electrical impedance between the microelectrodes. Each change in the cell’s status – for example, changes in cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, cell – cell interactions, and morphological changes – leads to changes in the impedance measurements and can therefore be easily and quickly detected in real time. Labelling of the cells, which can induce non-physiological changes in the cells, is not necessary. The system is label free and requires no reporters.

The cell-based assay system perfectly integrates micro electronics and cell biology and has a number of advantages in comparison to conventional cell analysis systems. It is suitable for uninterrupted monitoring of processes in living cells and for monitoring real-time kinetics. The system supplies a densely concentrated stream of information and shows excellent sensitivity and reproducibility when monitoring the overall cell population of a cell culture.

The xCELLigence Real-time Cell Analyzer system was originally invented by US-based ACEA Biosciences, and is co-developed by Roche and ACEA. The xCELLigence system will be marketed exclusively by Roche on a worldwide basis. The design of the electronic sensor, innovative techniques to collect and assess data and optimised instrumentation make the system a unique platform for cell-based assays and provide a benchmark potential for cellular and molecular biology. Continuous measurement is performed label free and fast – the system needs less than 15 seconds to analyze a 96 well E Plate. For more information on the technology, please visit the company article webpage.