Molecular Devices introduces new aequorin option for Flipr Tetra screening system

SUNNYVALE, CA, Apr 16, 2006 /CNW/ - Molecular Devices, a division of MDS Analytical Technologies and a leader in innovative solutions for drug discovery and life sciences, today announced a new aequorin option for its FLIPR Tetra(R) fluorometric imaging plate reader. This addition to the FLIPR Tetra system includes the uniquely designed camera that can detect both fluorescence and aequorin luminescence - and a new cell suspension option. Both the camera and cell suspension option were optimized on FLIPR Tetra to enable researchers to expand their calcium mobilization assays to include aequorin luminescence measurements. FLIPR Tetra with aequorin option will debut at the Society for Biomolecular Sciences Conference & Exhibition, April 15-19, 2007 at the Palais des Congrs de Montréal, Montréal, Canada in Molecular Devices' booth No.401.

Unique to the FLIPR Tetra system is a single camera to monitor aequorin luminescence and fluorescence-based calcium and membrane potential assays. Sensitivity can be adjusted to the appropriate assay signal window to detect dim aequorin cell lines while maintaining the ability to screen using traditional fluorescence methods.

The new aequorin option enables cell suspension assays, thereby minimizing cell preparation time and reducing assay costs. The cell suspension feature also increases throughput by simultaneously delivering cells in up to 1536 wells using proven FLIPR(R) pipettor technology. FLIPR Tetra optics (LEDs, emission filters, and standard camera) and automation capabilities are available for site-specific laboratory configuration.

"With the addition of the aequorin option for FLIPR Tetra, we can offer FLIPR(R) users the added benefits of reduced assay costs and fewer technical requirements associated with running aequorin applications," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "We are excited to provide the industry with another innovative screening solution that will enable higher throughput and lower-cost options for drug discovery."

The FLIPR Tetra system was introduced in June 2004, and was the first system to enable researchers to significantly increase throughput of cell-based assays by measuring 1536 kinetic measurements simultaneously, thus significantly reducing screening time and reagent consumption. This system also offers traditional 96- and 384-well fluidics, easily convertible by the user within minutes, providing a seamless transition between higher-volume assays to those that require sub-microliter volume additions.

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