Equipment

Unlike traditional assay endpoints, xCELLigence allows target cells to be monitored, in the absence of labels, continuously and automatically throughout the entire course of an experiment. Our scientists apply the xCELLigence system to quantify cell death induced by cell therapies (CAR-T, TCR-T), immune cell engagers, ADCs and small molecules. With an ability to generate 4PL data and EC50s, we apply the system from molecule ranking to translational studies. When coupled with flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine readouts, this has unlocked invaluable data for our customers at various stages of drug development. The xCELLigence simultaneously measures target cell death, effector cell phenotype and activation status and secondary mechanisms of action by cytokine quantification. 

Surface plasmon resonance is a powerful label-free technique providing real-time high-resolution information on the kinetics of biomolecular interactions. We use the high throughput, yet highly sensitive Biacore 8Ks at all stages of the drug discovery process. At the earliest stages we screen for leads, perform molecule ranking or epitope binning – providing invaluable information to take you to a smaller number of candidates faster. At the later stages, our SPR expertise is focussed on applying high-powered assay designs to yield kinetic and affinity measurements of unrivalled accuracy and specificity.

Single-cell Interaction Cytometry (scIC) using the heliXcyto measures the real-time binding properties (kinetic rates, affinity and/or avidity) of therapeutics directly on living cells. The heliXcyto is a chip-based biosensor utilising flow-permeable cell traps, allowing for the effortless immobilisation of cells in an automated workflow. The real-time measurement of interactions on cells yields biophysical data in the characterisation of difficult to produce membrane targets e.g. GPCRs. This technology is ideally suited to a broad range of kinetic events appearing  on and inside of eukaryotic cells, allowing us to monitor and characterise a range of different cellular assays.  Applications include binding screens, kinetics (on and off rates), affinity/avidity (KD, biphasic fit models), binding specificity, quantification of membrane proteins presented on the cell surface, epitope binning/competition, inhibition assays and internalisation rate.

We employ the SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader in a variety of assays, including cell viability, protein quantification, and enzyme kinetics, maximizing data output from each experiment. The i3x’s high sensitivity and multi-mode detection capabilities offer significant advantages over conventional single-mode readers, allowing us to measure multiple parameters within a single assay and gather comprehensive insights into our samples. This versatile instrument supports fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, HTRF, AlphaScreen, and FP, enabling us to efficiently conduct complex experiments and generate high-quality data. By leveraging the SpectraMax i3x, we provide detailed analysis that informs potential biomarker development, therapeutic efficacy, and safety.

With the powerful 4-laser Quanteon flow cytometer, we can provide in depth immune cell and target cell characterisation. Each machine is configured with 25 independent photomultipliers and 96 well plate processing capabilities, giving us the freedom to design complex multichannel experiments. The high content analysis power of the Quanteon is fully utilised with our primary cell assays, where we can simultaneously assess cell lineage, immune and target cell phenotype, activation markers, functionality, viability and proliferation. We apply the Quanteon to T cell activation assays, T cell exhaustion, cytotoxicity assessments, suppression assays, effector function and expression profiling, patient-derived tissues – essentially any immune cell co-culture.

We utilise the AKTA Go system for efficient purification of proteins. This compact and versatile chromatography system features a user-friendly interface, high-resolution separation capabilities, and real-time monitoring of UV, conductivity, and pH. It supports a variety of purification tasks, including affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This enhances productivity and ensures high-quality results, making it an essential tool in our biomolecular purification processes.

Reproducible isolation of high purity, functional immune cell preparations from primary tissues is central to the performance of our assays. By automating the process using the RoboSep, we ensure consistent isolation even for rare cell populations. This allows us to qualify isolated cells for use in primary cell assays, complex co-cultures and effector function assessments. We can perform medium throughput, multi-donor, complex primary immune cell assays with confidence, with minimal risk of contamination from other cell types or between donors. We also utilise the ViaFlow and ASSIST to provide high-throughput and accurate liquid handling for both 96- and 384-well plate formats, significantly increasing our efficiency in sample processing. Our ViCell system offers automated cell viability and concentration analysis, ensuring precise and reliable cell counting.

We utilise the Nucleofector system for its advanced transfection capabilities, enabling high-efficiency delivery of nucleic acids directly into the nucleus of various cell types, including hard-to-transfect primary cells. This technology supports a wide range of applications, from gene editing to cell line development and protein expression, while ensuring minimal cytotoxicity and high cell viability.

© Lonza, reproduced with permission. 

Our newly acquired Cytation 10 significantly expands our in-house imaging and assay capabilities across immunology, oncology, and advanced tissue biology. This high-content, high-throughput system combines multimode detection with automated environmental control, multi-channel fluorescence, and fast kinetic capture. It unlocks complex 3D assays, including tumoroid drug-response assays, immune-mediated tumoroid-killing assays, and long-term imaging of tissue explants and ALI lung cultures.

© Agilent, reproduced with permission.