Laser microdissection application module for live cell experiments
The ArcturusXT Live Cell Application Module from MDS Analytical Technologies (Sunnyvale, CA), expands the potential of the company's ArcturusXT laser-capture microdissection (LCM) instrument for scientists interested in performing experiments on living cells in culture. Isolation of living cells is enabled through the use of the specialized Live Cell Growth Chamber and Microdissection Petri dish, combined with a validated microdissection protocol. The module promises sterility and cell viability throughout the experiment, and gives researchers the ability to isolate cells from culture for subsequent reculture, or for downstream genomic or proteomic analysis.
Find out more at www.mdssciex.com.
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original press release from MDS Analytical Technologies
For Immediate Release:
MDS Analytical Technologies Introduces
ArcturusXT™ Petri Dish Live-Cell Microdissection
New Application Module Enables Advanced Research on Living Cells
SUNNYVALE, CA, April 20, 2009 – MDS Analytical Technologies, a leader in innovative solutions for drug discovery and life-sciences research, today announced the release of the ArcturusXT Live Cell Application Module, expanding the ArcturusXT laser-capture microdissection (LCM) instrument's application potential for scientists interested in performing experiments on living cells in culture.
Microdissection has traditionally been performed on specimens prepared on microscope slides, for which the samples are treated similarly to standard microscopy preparations, including fixation and staining. In vitro studies provide valuable insight into cellular processes and mechanisms in their native states. This data is unavailable to researchers using fixed or otherwise processed specimens; however, with the new Live Cell Application Module, researchers performing experiments on living cells, such as transfection studies, may now include the ArcturusXT LCM instrument as a trusted microdissection tool to help access the desired information.
"The addition of the Live Cell Application Module to the ArcturusXT LCM instrument continues to build upon the system's flexibility and provides a much wider range of possible research applications to our customers," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "We're excited to offer this powerful new tool to scientists who wish to perform microdissection of live cells."
The ArcturusXT Live Cell Application Module includes a new stage insert for the ArcturusXT LCM instrument that accommodates a Petri dish, and facilitates live-cell imaging or live-cell microdissection experiments. Isolation of living cells is enabled through the use of the specialized ArcturusXT Live Cell Growth Chamber and ArcturusXT Microdissection Petri dish, combined with a validated microdissection protocol. The ArcturusXT Live Cell Application Module maintains sterility and cell viability throughout the experiment, and gives researchers the ability to isolate cells from culture for subsequent reculture, or for downstream genomic or proteomic analysis.
The ArcturusXT LCM system, with the Live Cell Application Module, is being presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2009, April 19-22 in Denver, CO (MDS Analytical Technologies' booth #461).
About the ArcturusXT LCM Instrument
The ArcturusXT LCM instrument employs MDS Analytical Technologies' exclusive infrared laser-based capture technology which has been designed to maintain biomolecule integrity within the microdissected samples for use in downstream analyses. Whether researchers are using LCM alone or in combination with the ultraviolet laser cutting option, the gentle, non-damaging, infrared capture technology allows the custody of the microdissected sample to be maintained throughout the process. This gives researchers confidence and assurance that their desired material has been collected. Enrichment of specific populations of cells through this process enables researchers to perform sensitive and specific molecular analyses, otherwise not possible without the use of LCM.
About MDS Analytical Technologies
MDS Analytical Technologies, a business unit of MDS Inc., is focused on the research, design, manufacture and marketing of state-of-the-art tools for mass-spectrometry, drug discovery and bioresearch. MDS Analytical Technologies' products are designed to help accelerate the complex process of discovering and developing new drug compounds, and are sold to research scientists around the world. The mass-spectrometer product lines are also sold globally through joint ventures with two of the world's leading analytical instrumentation and life-sciences companies, Life Technologies Corporation and PerkinElmer, Inc. Find out more at www.mdssciex.com or www.moleculardevices.com.
About MDS Inc.
MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ) is a global life-sciences company that provides market-leading products and services that our customers need for the development of drugs and diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are a leading global provider of pharmaceutical contract research, medical isotopes for molecular imaging, radiotherapeutics, and analytical instruments. MDS, Inc. has more than 5,000 highly skilled people in 29 countries. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.
SOURCE: MDS
Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected], for BioOptics World.