Hot Applications: 6 Phenotypic Assay Methods from BioTek

19 Dec 2016
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Product news

BioTek Instruments, Inc. offers six detailed methods to help drug discovery and life science researchers improve their phenotypic assays, which are available to download for free.

Phenotypic assays are replacing drug target-based assays in many early drug discovery processes, as there is no requirement to understand the drugs mechanism of action.

Automated digital fluorescence microscopy using microplates is a preferred method for phenotypic assays as multi-parametric data can be obtained using a wide array of fluorescent probes to quantify phenotype changes.

The Cytation Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader and the MultiFlo FX Multi-Mode Dispenser from BioTek are well equipped to automate phenotypic assay workflows. These six methods describe how they can perform common operations such as cell seeding into microplates, media exchanges, reagent additions and automated digital microscopy common to phenotypic assays.

Download them now for free:

Measuring Real-time Cellular Respiration and Mitochondrial Function using Fluorophoric Biosensors

Label-Free Phenotype MicroArrays™ Analysis of Cellular Energetics and Apoptotic Activity using Microplate Reading and Phase Contrast Imaging

Phenotypic and Epigenetic Mechanism of Action Determinations of Histone Methylase and Demethylase Inhibitors using Digital Widefield Microscopy

Use of Phase Contrast Imaging to Track Morphological Cellular Changes due to Apoptotic Activity

Investigation of Cell Migration using a High Density Cell Exclusion Assay and Automated Microplate Imager

Induction and Inhibition Studies of Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Immortalized Keratinocytes

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MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab 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.Microarray AnalysisMicroarrays, also known as biochips, are used for the detection and analysis of multiple genes, proteins, antibodies, or biomarkers on a single microchip. This can reveal information on protein or gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV), epigenetics and patient health in clinical diagnostic tests. Discover a range of microarray scanners and prefabricated antibody, protein, RNA and DNA microarrays for your analysis or consider creating your own custom microarrays with a microarray printer. Find the best microarray products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic WorkstationsRobotic workstations are automated platforms enabling the user to perform high-throughput, multi-application processes, from sample preparation tasks such as PCR set-up, DNA purification and NGS library preparation, to integrated sample prep and analysis workstations. Automation makes processes consistent, fast, precise and fully walk-away. Find the best robotic workstations 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.Assay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.PhenomeDrug DiscoveryDrug discovery is the process of identifying potential new medications, involving stages such as target identification, compound screening, and preclinical development. It relies on cutting-edge technologies like high-throughput screening, artificial intelligence, and molecular modeling to accelerate the identification of drug candidates. Drug discovery plays a pivotal role in developing new therapies for diseases ranging from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the latest drug discovery technologies, compare options, check customer feedback, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.HypoxiaPhenotypic ScreeningPhenotypic screening assesses cellular responses to compounds, enabling drug discovery and target identification. This technique is pivotal in finding effective treatments for complex diseases. Discover phenotypic screening platforms and tools with peer-reviewed comparisons and pricing in our directory.Cell Migration