Université de Paris use the SpectraMax iD3 to advance understanding of Extracellular Vesicles
COMPANY/UNIVERSITY
Université de Paris
TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Grégory Lavieu, Chaire d’Excellence Université de Paris, INSERM
PRODUCTS USED
SpectraMax iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
The Challenge
The main goal of Dr. Grégory Lavieu’s group at the Université de Paris is to understand at both cellular and molecular levels how Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), also called exosomes, transfer their content from donor to acceptor cells. They are particularly interested in the EV-delivery process that is likely to require docking and fusion with target membranes of the acceptor cells. From a mechanistic point of view, the EV field is relatively untouched and seems ripe for discoveries that will impact basic biology, and perhaps translational science, through the development of EV-mimetics as vectors for delivery of therapeutics. But first, they must understand the cell biology of those vesicles!
Researchers are developing novel cell-free and cell-based assays to independently measure vesicle uptake and content delivery. They track luciferase-tagged cargo initially contained within the vesicles and measure by luminometry the luciferase activity associated with the acceptor cells. Because the delivery process is a low yield reaction, they need high sensitivity of detection and reliable measurement. In addition, they also have well-established fluorescent-based assays to test membrane fusion. Their assay are compatible with low- and high-throughput screening.
The Solution
For their luminescence and fluorescence assays, the team use the SpectraMax iD3. Dr. Lavieu says, “I have been using Molecular Devices equipment since 2006, using initially a SpectraMax M5. In 2017 we purchased a SpectraMax iD3, which is much more affordable but still provides similar sensitivity, reliability and robustness in our signal (fluorescence and luminometry) detection”.
SpectraMax iD3 and iD5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Instrument used
The SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence. Built-in near-field communication (NFC) functionality enables you to pull up your custom protocols with a single tap, saving you precious time better spent on your research. It features a large, high-resolution touchscreen interface with an embedded software package allowing you to set up custom protocols, take advantage of preloaded protocols, and run your experiment without the need for a dedicated computer workstation.
With optimized reagents and industry-leading SoftMax® Pro Software, it provides an all access pass for breakthrough research.
The Results
Dr. Lavieu is now acquiring a new SpectraMax iD3 for his new laboratory at the Université de Paris. Speaking about the system, he says, “The SpectraMax iD3 is user friendly, provides high detection sensitivity, reliability, and great versatility. Importantly, “expert users” can upgrade the assays and set-up more complex protocols (live kinetics etc.) on the machine to challenge the limit of our assays. The Sales and Technical Support teams at Molecular Devices are excellent”.