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Innovative Automation Solutions for Flow Cytometry, Bioprocessing, and Drug Discovery

Merck
15 Sept 2008

Product news

Guava Technologies, Inc. has teamed up with the Hudson Control Group to provide scientists with a unique integrated cellular analysis platform that delivers new levels of throughput and ease-of-use for cell counting, viability, and apoptosis.

This system provides automated sample prep and analysis for a range of Guava® Turnkey Assays in 96-well format. The integrated platform, which contains a Guava EasyCyte™ Plus Flow Cytometer, a Hudson Control PlateCrane EX Robotic Arm, and a Hudson Control micro10 Liquid Dispenser, is effortlessly linked together, and controlled using integration software from both Hudson Control Group and Guava Technologies.

"Working closely with Hudson Control Group we have produced a novel platform that offers true walk-away flow cytometry and cellular analysis," said Paul Wheeler, VP of Sales and Marketing for Guava Technologies. "This process has been simplified due to the unique attributes of our microcapillary flow cytometers. The small footprint and sheathless fluidics means our systems are less restricted in their ability to be integrated with external hardware. The lack of bulky sheath fluid and waste tanks, which are required in traditional flow systems, takes away the physical barriers to integration and unattended operation." He added, "This, at a fraction of the cost of a standard liquid handling platform, and provides an exciting new affordable automation option to scientists in a wide range of research, bioprocessing, and drug discovery workflows."

Phil Farrelly, President of Hudson Control Group added ""Hudson is very excited to be working with Guava Technologies on developing innovative solutions that will accelerate results for researchers working in cellular analysis. Hudson's microplate robot for plate feeding, combined with our liquid-handling and scheduler products will enable practical applications of Guava Technologies cytometry that have not been available before. The cooperation between our two companies should have a dramatic symbiotic effect on both companies' value to the life-sciences research community."

The Guava EasyCyte™ Plus System delivers high throughput, multicolour detection for cell analysis and counting directly to your laboratory benchtop. The system runs all turnkey assays from Guava Technologies, including those for cell counting and viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Simultaneous four-colour fluorescence detection on the Guava EasyCyte Plus System greatly expands the information obtained from any one well in a 96-well plate, simplifying simultaneous monitoring of extra- and intracellular events that may affect cellular function. The ability to easily integrate with third-party plate handlers makes high throughput flow cytometry a reality.

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Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters 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.High-Content ScreeningHigh-content screening (HCS), also known as high-content analysis (HCA), is a high-throughput technique used in drug discovery to identify substances that alter the phenotype of cells. HCS uses fluorescent microscopic imaging and automated image analysis to investigate cellular events such as apoptosis, cell viability, GPCR activation, oxide production, neurite outgrowth, and cell signaling. Find the best fluorescent labeling reagents, cellular assays, and high-content imaging systems in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.

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