Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces Automated Solution for Assay Ready Cell Culture

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today unveiled its new Thermo Scientific Cell Growth and Discovery (CGD) WorkCell™, a fully enclosed, environmentally controlled automation solution designed for high capacity cell growth, supply and in-line image analysis.

Combining state-of–the-art software with sophisticated robotics, the CGD WorkCell is a turn-key system which can simultaneously handle multiple plate/flask formats and perform cell maintenance, colony selection and RNAi studies. The CGD WorkCell can significantly improve the quantity and quality of characterized cells, eliminating human error and improving data consistency.

The Thermo Scientific CGD WorkCell has been designed specifically for the growth and analysis of multiple cell lines and cultures. This high capacity system offers full level II HEPA containment with strategic ports for easy user access while still protecting cells from contamination, and users from potentially hazardous aerosols and vapors. Importantly, the CGD WorkCell can perform a wide variety of assays at the optimal point of cell growth and has extensive process flexibility to meet the culture and experimental demands of varying cell types. With the ability to accommodate multiple container formats, the CGD WorkCell can provide cells suitable for a variety of research needs, from cloning and transfection studies, to general cell line amplification in one system.

The new Thermo Scientific CGD WorkCell is powered by Celleste™ Software, and provides a user-friendly workflow management tool that can significantly improve laboratory operations and production. The Celleste Software turns complex automated multi-cell line schedules into simple task buttons and configures process-specific operations for ease-of-use. Users can dynamically schedule automated cell growth, manipulation and analytical procedures, tracking activities without actively managing complex cell growth programs. Additionally, the CGD WorkCell allows extensive method optimization and control monitoring. 24/7 operation enables long-term cell maintenance, providing alerts when cells are confluent and ready for use, and tracking reagents and consumable levels.