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An industry-renowned instrument for monitoring GPCRs and ion channels

Powered by a new, optional high-speed EMCCD camera and the new Peak Pro 2 software module, the new FLIPR® Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System allows you to measure and analyze peaks of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), differentiated into cardiomyocytes and neurons, up to 100 times per second and quickly cherry pick events such as Early Afterdepolarization-like events (EAD-like events), fibrillation, and irregular beating.

Since its introduction, the system has developed a reputation for reliability and ease of use. The system can be configured based on library size, detection mode, screening format, assay, and target, making the transition from assay development to lead optimization a seamless process.

  • Breadth Icon

    Assess toxicity effects

    The HS-EMCCD camera option allows for up to 100 measurements per second, providing detailed information about cardiomyocyte and/or neuronal oscillation. Combined with the ScreenWorks® Peak Pro 2 software analysis module, compound-induced pro-arrhythmic effects such as EAD-like events can be easily identified and flagged.

  • Expandable Icon

    Identify lead compounds

    With seven LED sets, many filter options, and fluorescence or luminescence detection, the FLIPR system supports many assays, including calcium flux, potassium, and membrane potential.

  • Protocols Icon

    Configure to your throughput

    The FLIPR Penta system can be configured to match user needs. From manual assays to automated solutions, to measuring 96-, 384-, or 1536-well samples at a time, to using wash or no-wash assay kits in adherent or suspension cell mode, the system can be upgraded as needs change in the future.

FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

Features

  • Throughput Icon

    Complex event analysis

    ScreenWorks Peak Pro 2 software analysis, powered by pCLAMP 11, gives you the unique ability to characterize calcium oscillation peak data in one software program. Compounds can be flagged that cause waveform irregularities that may indicate hazards for arrhythmia, seizures, or other toxicity effects quickly and without having to export data. Distinctly different calcium oscillations in neurons can also be characterized.

  • Optics Icon

    Configurable optics

    The FLIPR Penta system can be matched to user needs starting with a standard EMCCD camera, a more cost-effective solution that is perfect for GPCR and Membrane Potential assays, or with the new HS EMCCD that can capture up to 100 images per second and offers exceptional luminescence performance. The camera, LEDs, and filters can be configured at the time of purchase or later when assay needs change.

  • Configurable Icon

    User-changeable pipette modules

    Pipette heads can be changed in minutes without the use of tools from 96, 384, or 1536 channels to accommodate assay throughput needs.

  • Analysis Icon

    Ease of use

    ScreenWorks software seamlessly incorporates drag-and-drop protocols, intuitive buttons, and color-coded plate layout to simplify workflows. View signal traces, EC50 curves, and Z factors on-the-fly without having to export data to another software program.

  • Connectivity Icon

    Validated solution

    Purchasing a FLIPR system from Molecular Devices assures users that they are investing in a technology that can grow with them. Hardware, software, and assay kits have been validated on the system by an industry-renowned leader with over 30 years of experience.

  • Automation Icon

    Custom automation options*

    The drug discovery process has shared methods, yet each project is unique. The Advanced Workflow Engineering Solutions Team offers a variety of customized services from automated compound plate delivery to fully integrated workstations with automated incubation.

*Price, time to deliver, and specifications will vary based on technical requirements agreed upon. Solution requirements may cause adjustment to standard performance.

ScreenWorks Software with customizable protocols and data analysis for high-throughput kinetic assays

The FLIPR Penta system utilizes our ScreenWorks Software to define and run experimental protocols. Using a drag-and-drop interface, protocols can be easily set up to include:

  • Standard fluorescent or luminescent read modes or optional aequorin luminescence detection
  • Simultaneous transfer of 96, 384, or 1536 liquid or cells in suspension
  • Complex quadrant, multiple aspirations or multiple dispensing liquid handling
  • Single or ratiometric kinetic cell-based reading
  • Tip washing with up to two solvents
  • Cell suspension delivery with automatable cleaning protocols
  • Simple-to-create automation protocols
  • Optional Peak Pro software module with easy signal oscillation anomaly detection

Ca flux

 

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Applications of FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

  • Calcium Flux

    Calcium Flux

    The evaluation of calcium flux is a long accepted, tried and true measure of cellular activity. Calcium flux can be used as a measurement for a host of cellular processes including neurotransmitter release, GPCR activity, voltage or ligand gated ion channels, and cardiomyocyte beat patterns, among many others. The FLIPR Penta System is the drug discovery tool for evaluation of calcium flux in high and ultra-high throughput due to its ease of use, sensitivity and user configurability.

    Cardiomyocyte screening

    Cardiomyocyte Screening

    Early prediction of drug-induced functional cardiotoxicity requires robust in vitro systems suitable for high-throughput screening. Readily-available iPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes may be used in conjunction with calcium-sensitive dyes, and beat rates are monitored as changes in intracellular calcium. These calcium peaks can be analyzed with our ScreenWorks PeakPro software which provides the investigator a suite of powerful tools for quantification of cardiomyocyte activity.

  • GPCR

    GPCR App

    Fluorescent dyes sensitive to changes in intracellular calcium have become increasingly popular in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery. These dyes make GPCR screening assays highly sensitive, easy to perform, and low cost compared to other assays. Instruments capable of measuring fluorescent-based calcium indicators in high-throughput have become significantly more affordable making them obtainable even for academic groups.

    Read Application Note  

    Membrane Potential

    Membrane Potential

    There are dozens of identified disorders caused by impaired ion channel function. Ion channels are important drug discovery targets because they are highly druggable and specific. The FLIPR® Membrane Potential Assay Kits provide a fast, simple and reliable fluorescence-based assay for detecting changes in voltage across the cell membrane mediated by ion channel to evaluate target or off-target effects based on the application.

    Read Application Note  

  • Neuronal assays

    Neuronal Assays

    The FLIPR Penta System is an excellent tool for monitoring calcium flux related to neuronal activity. Newly developed commercially available iPSC neurons have made high-throughput neuronal screening a reality. These cells and assays are essential for monitoring a variety of factors including neural cell culture conditions, drug compound effects, and the effect of environmental neurotoxins. Neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release can be evaluated with fluorescence-based calcium indicator dyes combining fast, simple, and powerful assays with scalable throughput.

    Potassium Assays

    Potassium assays

    The majority of ion channel drug discovery solutions focus on potassium channels since they are the most prevalent type of ion channel, functioning in cardiac muscle action and hormone release. Potassium assay kits can be used to measure the effect of drug molecules on thallium transport through the potassium channel as a surrogate for potassium channel activity.

    Potassium assay resources:

Specifications & Options of FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

Resources of FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

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Presentations
Videos & Webinars
Automated organoid assays with 3D imaging

Disease modeling in the 21st century: Automated organoid assays with 3D imaging

Implementing 3D Neural Spheroids

Implementing 3D Neural Spheroids in Drug Discovery

iPSC Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neuronal Spheroids

Toxicity studies of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and neuronal spheroids

CiPA Initiative and Validation

CiPA initiative and validation of high-throughput methods to characterize compound effects in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes on the FLIPR Penta system

FLIPR in drug discovery: Ion channel screening and cardiac safety testing

(On-demand webinar) FLIPR in drug discovery: Ion channel screening and cardiac safety testing

Optogenetics and the FLIPR: Cav1.3 high-throughput screening assay

Optogenetics and the FLIPR: How to Use Light to Set up a Cav1.3 High-Throughput Screening Assay

Advances in Calcium Flux Assays

Latest Advances in Calcium Flux Assays

Innovative Assays for the FLIPR Tetra System

Innovative Assays for the FLIPR Tetra System

Developing an in vitro Tl+ flux assay for potassium channel

Developing an in Vitro Tl+ Flux Assay for Potassium Channel Agonist Identification

Novel in Vitro Assay Tools for Cardiac Toxicity and Discovery

Novel in Vitro Assay Tools for Cardiac Toxicity and Discovery

StemoniX microBrain 3D Assay

StemoniX microBrain 3D Assay Ready Plates for HTS

  • Citation
    Dated: Nov 30, 2020
    Publication Name: Humana Press

    Measurement of [Ca2+] Using the Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR)

    Ionized calcium plays a major role in the regulation of cellular processes in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells (1). A wide variety of cell surface receptors and ion channels utilize a calcium signal to initiate events such as cell motility, contraction, and secretion. To a large extent, the advent of fluorescent indicators of free calcium ion… View more

    Ionized calcium plays a major role in the regulation of cellular processes in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells (1). A wide variety of cell surface receptors and ion channels utilize a calcium signal to initiate events such as cell motility, contraction, and secretion. To a large extent, the advent of fluorescent indicators of free calcium ion concentration that could be loaded into cells in a nondisruptive manner has been responsible for our current knowledge of cellular calcium homeostasis (2). Typically, the fluorescent signal has been monitored using cuvet-based fluorometers or by confocal fluorescent microscopy. Although acceptable for a number of applications, these methods are relatively labor intensive and are not suitable for screening large numbers of compounds.

    Contributors: Elaine Sullivan, Emily M. Tucker, Ian L. Dale  
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  • Citation
    Dated: Mar 27, 2017
    Publication Name: Journal of Biomedical Science

    Development and validation of a high-throughput calcium mobilization assay for the orphan receptor GPR88

    GPR88 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in the striatum and is implicated in basal ganglia-associated disorders. However, the receptor functions of GPR88 are still largely unknown due to the lack of potent and selective ligands appropriate for central nervous system investigation. Development of a high-throughput screening… View more

    GPR88 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in the striatum and is implicated in basal ganglia-associated disorders. However, the receptor functions of GPR88 are still largely unknown due to the lack of potent and selective ligands appropriate for central nervous system investigation. Development of a high-throughput screening assay for GPR88 should facilitate the discovery of novel ligands to probe GPR88 functions.

    Contributors: Ann M. Decker, Elaine A. Gay, Kelly M. Mathews, Taylor C. Rosa, Tiffany L. Langston, Rangan Maitra & Chunyang Jin  
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  • Citation
    Dated: Apr 15, 2005
    Publication Name: The Journal of Biological Chemistry

    c-FLIPR, a New Regulator of Death Receptor-induced Apoptosis

    c-FLIPs (c-FLICE inhibitory proteins) play an essential role in regulation of death receptor-induced apoptosis. Multiple splice variants of c-FLIP have been described on the mRNA level; so far only two of them, c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS, had been found to be expressed at the protein level. In this report, we reveal the endogenous expression of a third… View more

    c-FLIPs (c-FLICE inhibitory proteins) play an essential role in regulation of death receptor-induced apoptosis. Multiple splice variants of c-FLIP have been described on the mRNA level; so far only two of them, c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS, had been found to be expressed at the protein level. In this report, we reveal the endogenous expression of a third isoform of c-FLIP. We demonstrate its presence in a number of T and B cell lines as well as in primary human T cells. We identified this isoform as c-FLIPR, a death effector domain-only splice variant previously identified on the mRNA level. Impor-/tantly, c-FLIPR is recruited to the CD95 (Fas/APO-1) death-inducing signaling complex upon CD95 stimulation. Several properties of c-FLIPR are similar to c-FLIPS: both isoforms have a short half-life, a similar pattern of expression during activation of primary human T cells, and are strongly induced in T cells upon CD3/CD28 costimulation. Taken together, our data demonstrate endogenous expression of c-FLIPR and similar roles of c-FLIPR and c-FLIPS isoforms in death receptor-mediated apoptosis.

    Contributors: Alexander Golks, Dirk Brenner, Cornelius Fritsch, Peter H. Krammer‡ and Inna N. Lavrik  
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  • Citation
    Dated: Mar 01, 1996
    Publication Name: Journal of Biomolecular Screening

    FLIPR: A New Instrument for Accurate, High Throughput Optical Screening

    Modern optical screening assays demand high data throughput along with uncompromised data fidelity. FLIPR (Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader) was developed to perform quantitative optical screening for cell-based kinetic assays. FLIPR incorporates an integrated design, including low-level optical detection, precise temperature control, and precise… View more

    Modern optical screening assays demand high data throughput along with uncompromised data fidelity. FLIPR (Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader) was developed to perform quantitative optical screening for cell-based kinetic assays. FLIPR incorporates an integrated design, including low-level optical detection, precise temperature control, and precise fluid handling, all in one package. The unique aspect of FLIPR is that all 96 wells of a standard microplate are stimulated and optically measured simultaneously. Kinetic updates on all 96 wells can be obtained in under 1 sec, allowing for transient signals to be quantified. Demonstrated applications include measurements of intracellular calcium, intracellular pH, and membrane potential.

    Contributors: Kirk S. Schroeder, Brad D. Neagle
     
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FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System

Product Part Number
FLIPR Penta High-Throughput Cellular Screening System FLIPR PENTA
Field Installations
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Camera Conversion Kit, EMCCD to HSEMCCD 5069580
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Cell Suspension, Field Installation Kit 0310-5339
FLIPR Cycler (Previously TETRACycler) 5074848
Pipettor Heads
FLIPR Pipettor Head Kit, 96 0200-6071
FLIPR Pipettor Head Kit, 384 0200-6072
FLIPR Pipettor Head Kit, 1536 0200-6073
FLIPR Pin Tool Head Kit, 384 384 Pin Tool HD Kit
FLIPR Pin Tool Head Kit, 1536 1536 Pin Tool HD Kit
Pipetting Consumables
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Pipette tips, black, non-sterile, 96-well 50 racks/case 9000-0762
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Pipette tips, clear, non-sterile, 96-well 50 racks/case 9000-0761
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Pipette tips, black, non-sterile, 384-well 50 racks/case 9000-0764
FLIPR Penta or Tetra Pipette tips, clear, non-sterile, 384-well 50 racks/case 9000-0763
FLIPR 1536 tip gasket, non-sterile, 40/case 9000-0746
FLIPR 1536 tip block 0200-6112
FLIPR Pin Tool head, 384 384 Pin Tool
FLIPR Pin Tool head, 1536 1536 Pin Tool
Optical Accessories
LED Modules and Emission filter accessories are available for both versions of the FLIPR Penta or Tetra instrument for Calcium sensitive dyes, Membrane Potential dyes, Voltage Sensor dyes and other applications. Please follow this link to a .pdf of the wavelengths and ordering information
Optional Cell Suspension System and Consumables
FLIPR Suspension Reservoir 0200-6222
FLIPR 250 mL Spinner Flask Assembly 0200-6223
FLIPR 500 mL Spinner Flask Assembly 0200-6224
FLIPR 1 L Spinner Flask Assembly 0200-6225
FLIPR 2 L Spinner Flask Assembly 0200-6226
FLIPR 3 L Spinner Flask Assembly 0200-6227
FLIPR Potassium Assay Kit
Evaluation Kit R8330
Explorer Kit R8222
Bulk Kit R8223
FLIPR Calcium 4 Assay Kit
Explorer Kit R8142
Bulk Kit R8141
Express Kit R8143
FLIPR Calcium 5 Assay Kit
Explorer Kit R8185
Bulk Kit R8186
Express Kit R8187
FLIPR Calcium 6 Assay Kit
Evaluation Kit (1 Plate) R8194
Explorer Kit (10 Plates) R8190
Bulk Kit (100 Plates) R8191
Express Kit (100 Plates) R8195
FLIPR Membrane Potential Assay Kit
Evaluation Kit R8128
Explorer Kit RED R8126
Bulk Kit RED R8123
Explorer Kit BLUE R8042
Bulk Kit BLUE R8034
FLIPR Calcium 6-QF Assay Kit
Explorer Kit R8192
Bulk Kit R8193
Express Kit R8196

1. Please contact your local Molecular Devices Sales Representative for details regarding this configure to-order item.

FLIPR Cycler and Robotic Integration

Flipr Tetra Cell Suspension System

Optional Cell Suspension System and Consumables

Flipr Tetra Consumables System

An optional cell management system for the FLIPR Penta and Tetra Systems simplifies luminescent calcium mobilization assays and increases throughput by eliminating the need to plate cells and the need for separate compound plates during aequorin assays. Cells are held in spinner flask which maintains a uniform cell suspension and promotes assay robustness. During the assay, cells are pumped to the reservoir for pipetting and returned to the spinner flask. Adjustable stir speed, pump speeds and pipetting parameters simplify the optimization of cell handling for different cell lines. A variety of flask sizes are available to scale the volume for assay development through high throughput screening. Requires Part number 03010-5339 field installation of Cell Suspension system.

Featured Applications

Calcium Flux

Calcium Flux

The evaluation of calcium flux is a long accepted, tried and true measure of cellular activity.…

Read More
Cardiomyocyte screening

Cardiomyocyte screening

Early prediction of drug-induced functional cardiotoxicity requires robust in vitro systems…

Read More
GPCR

GPCR

Fluorescent dyes sensitive to changes in intracellular calcium have become increasingly popular in…

Read More
Membrane Potential

Membrane Potential

There are dozens of identified disorders caused by impaired ion channel function. Ion channels are…

Read More
Neuronal assays

Neuronal assays

The FLIPR Penta System is an excellent tool for monitoring calcium flux related to neuronal…

Read More
Potassium Assays

Potassium Assays

The majority of ion channel drug discovery solutions focus on potassium channels since they are the…

Read More

Customer Breakthrough

Professor Andrea Townsend-Nicholson uses SpectraMax i3x
Professor Andrea Townsend-Nicholson uses SpectraMax i3x

SUCCESS STORY

University College London uses the SpectraMax i3x reader and FLIPR Tetra System to develop personalized medicines

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How can we help advance your next big discovery?

Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?

I have a questionI’d love a demo

How can we help advance your next big discovery?

Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?

I have a questionI’d love a demo
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