© 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd

CellmateFrom The Automation Partnershipwww.autoprt.co.uk

Automating tissue culture

Cellmate automates conventional cell cul-ture processes in roller bottles and T-flasks,allowing scale-up without process change.The latest version of Cellmate has moresophisticated software and a new robot armto make program changes easier. Cell harvesting by a new scraper blade protectsdelicate cell-surface proteins from damage.Cellmates are used in the production of viralvaccines and therapeutic proteins, as well asfor high-throughput screening assays.Reader Service No. 102

cellgro CompleteFrom Mediatech www.cellgro.com

Serum-free media for both attached andsuspended mammalian cell lines

‘cellgro Complete’ was originally formulatedfor RPMI, DMEM, DMEM/F12 andMcCoy’s 5A basal media users, but can alsobe adapted for many cell-culture protocolscurrently using other basal media. It has alow protein concentration and contains noinsulin, transferrin, hormones or othergrowth factors. The low protein level andlack of undefined components minimizesinterference with downstream processing.Reader Service No. 103

StemSpan SFEMFrom Stem Cell Technologieswww.stemcell.com

Flexible serum-free media

StemSpan SFEM (serum-free expansionmedium) is optimized for haematopoieticcells. With appropriate cytokines, it can beused to culture both human and murinehaematopoietic cells. StemSpan SFEM alsosupports the generation of dendritic cellsfrom CD14+ and CD34+ progenitor cell pop-ulations. From the bottle (100 and 500 ml)StemSpan SFEM contains no cytokines,making it possible to tailor the medium forspecific cells by adding cytokines separately.Reader Service No. 104

Nutri-MisterFrom Bellco www.bellcoglass.com

Get to the problem of the roots

Nutri-Mister is an ultrasonic generator thatprovides a nutrient-laden, oxygen-rich mistto plant roots or to plant or other tissue. For

whole plant culture, roots are suspended inan enclosed plant holder/root chamber.Plants are supported by clay pebbles in slat-ted plastic cups, which allow the roots toprotrude into the root chamber. For tissueculture, sterile plant tissues are placed on aperforated tray or screen, which sits inside atransparent, polycarbonate culture chamber. Reader Service No. 105

NephrigenFrom Celox celox.bioreagent.com

Serum-free growth medium for ‘293’ kidneycells

Nephrigen is a serum-free growth mediumdeveloped specifically for the culturing ofhuman embryonic kidney (293) cells. Thislow-protein medium contains no bovinederived proteins. As part of the Nephrigensystem, Celox also produces a non-enzymatic dissociation solution to be usedinstead of trypsin.Reader Service No. 106

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HERAcell incubatorsFrom Kendro www.kendro.com

CO2 incubators with automatic disinfection

The ContraCon 90°C automatic disinfec-tion routine sterilizes the entire innerchamber in the HERAcell CO2 incubator.The aim is to protect against long-termcontamination. Suitable for a broad rangeof cell and tissue culture applications, the150-litre capacity HERAcell features asmooth inner chamber with rounded cor-ners on all sides for easy cleaning. TheHERAcell’s three-litre water reservoir is alsodisinfected automatically. This reservoir is ahumidification device, eliminating the needfor the traditional water tray.Reader Service No. 100

Cell Proliferation AssayFrom Genzyme www.genzyme.com

Tracking cell proliferation and viability

This assay from Genzyme Diagnostics mea-sures cell proliferation and viability inresponse to factors such as cytokines,growth factors and experimental pharma-ceuticals. The MTT Cell Proliferation &Viability Assay is a nonisotopic in vitro assaythat uses the 96-well format. The assay isbased on reduction of the tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to an insolubleformazan dye by cellular enzymes associatedwith metabolic activity. The rate of tetra-zolium reduction is proportional to the rateof cell proliferation. The assay may be usedin systems with co-factors and with cell cul-ture media that contain reducing agents.Reader service No. 101

The two culturesCell and tissue culture are the focus in this week’s New on the Market, including serum-free media and see-through culture plates.

Nephrigen: for 293 reasons.

Reservoir dodge: HERAcell maintains humidity.

Feed those plants: Nutri-Mister at rest.

© 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd

use with Beckman, LKB and Packard coun-ters. All models can be supplied for perfus-ing larger tissue samples as well as perform-ing other tests in wellplates.Reader Service No. 108

Custom culturesFrom TCS Biologicals

Normal human cells and custom cell cultures

In addition to normal human cells andmedia, TCS Biologicals offers custom cellculture for functional genomic and prote-omic studies, and Liverbeads, which areencapsulated hepatocytes for metabolismanalysis allowing users to perform functionaltests without needing to isolate cells. Servicesinclude growing cells and treating them withcytokines or growth factors. Customers canbe supplied with cell pellets, lysates, nucleicacid or other material as required.Reader Service No. 109

EasyTab-C filtermatsFrom Packard www.packardinst.com

Simplify cell proliferation assays

The EasyTab-C is designed for use withPackard’s FilterMate harvester and the

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HEK-293 mediaFrom Sigma www.sigma-aldrich.com

Another growth medium for ‘293’ kidney cells

This new line of serum-free, low-proteinmedia for the growth of human embryonickidney 293 (HEK293) cells is recommendedfor human adenovirus production, recom-binant protein production, and vaccine production. Testing of Sigma’s serum-freeHEK-293 culture media indicates faster cellgrowth when compared to DME:F12 mediasupplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum.Reader Service No. 107

Suprafusion 2500From Brandel www.brandel.com

Automation in receptor binding assays

Suprafusion 2500 Systems offer automatic,programmable control, perfusing tissueswith up to 9 reagents each and collecting upto 20 effluents per sample. The 6, 12 and 20-channel systems collect into standard 5or 7 ml vials in a generic collection tray. The18-channel system is designed for use withspecific liquid scintillation counters as efflu-ents are collected into vials preloaded intothe counter’s rack. Models are available for

reusable OmniFilter filter holder. The filter isself-aligning in the harvester, using two loca-tor holes, which mate to the alignment pinsof the harvester. After cells are harvested,EasyTab-C fits directly into the OmniFilterholders once alignment tabs are removed.After scintillation cocktail is dispensed onthe filtermat, the OmniFilter holder issnapped together and sealed for counting inthe TopCount Microplate Scintillation andLuminescence Counter. Reader Service No. 110

Harvest home: Packard’s EasyTab-C

READER ENQUIRY NO. 68

© 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd

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GMD Secretion AssayFrom One Cell Systems www.onecell.com

Screen cell lines for rare, high secretors

The Gel Microdrop (GMD) secretion assayisolates individual, viable cells based on theamount of secreted protein. The assay pro-vides a rapid flow cytometric alternative tolimiting dilution cloning. Cells are firstencapsulated in a gel matrix (CelBioGel) toform GMDs. Streptavidin is added creating abridge to bind a biotinylated ‘capture’ anti-body. GMDs, with cells and bound antibody,are incubated for secretion and capture ofthe target protein. A fluorescent-labelleddetection antibody is incubated with theGMDs prior to flow cytometry and sorting.The fluorescence intensity of each GMD isquantified and high producers are isolated.Reader Service No. 111

Kersys sterilizerFrom H+P Labortechnik www.hp-lab.de

Continuous sterilization of culture media

The Kersys continuous sterilizer has beendeveloped to perform a gentle continuoussterilization of culture media for bioreactorfeeds. With this system, growth media areonly exposed to extreme heat for seconds, sothat thermolabile components such as vita-mins are not degraded.Reader Service No. 112

Square Media Bottles From Nalgene www.nalgenelab.nalgenunc.com

An alternative to fragile glass bottles

Moulded of clear PETG, sterile NalgeneSquare Media Bottles feature a bottle neckand closure system with no liner or gasket,minimizing contamination and guarantee-ing repeatable, leakproof performance. Thebottles are gamma-sterilized and complywith USP 23 Class Vl, are non-cytotoxic andmeet USP 23 <661 > requirements. Reader Service No. 113

Syringe filtersFrom Corning Costar www.corning.com

Syringe filters with a purpose

This new range of syringe filters is designedspecifically for use in tissue culture. Theycomply with the ISO 9002 standard, are100% integrity tested, non-pyrogenic andnon-cytotoxic. The filters come in 11 sizesfor volumes between 0.5 and 100 ml, with achoice of four diameters, 4, 15, 26 and 50mm. A 50-mm, 0.22 mm Teflon vent filter isalso available to protect vacuum lines andpumps or to act as an in-line filter for gasessupplying CO2 incubatorsReader Service No. 114

Gelatin CellwareFrom Biocoat www.bd.com/labware

Cell culture substrates

Biocoat Gelatin Cellware is now availablefrom Becton Dickinson Labware. Thisready-to-use format is claimed to providereliable performance and lot-to-lot consis-tency. Biocoat Gelatin Cellware can be usesas a cell attachment and growth promotingsubstrate for the culture of vascularendothelial, muscle, embryonic stem, andF9 teratocarcinoma cells. The products arestable for 12 months when stored at roomtemperatureReader Service No. 115

Tissue culture enclosures From Labconco www.labconco.com

Three enclosures, one brochure

Protector Fibreglass Tissue CultureEnclosures are designed for tissue staining,culture growth, and virus harvesting. Fromthe same stable are Protector PCR enclo-sures and Purifier HEPA-filtered PCR enclo-sures. All three of these recently introduced

enclosures are in an 8-page brochure, whichcan be ordered from the web site.Reader Service No. 116

CO2 incubatorsFrom Revco revco-sci.com

Updated brochure for this incubator range

A new brochure from Revco covers the com-pany’s complete line of CO2 incubators,including Ultima and Elite series waterjack-eted incubators and the Midi size radiantwall incubator. The catalogue showcases acomplete line of CO2 incubators and acces-sories developed for research, clinical andlife science applications. Selection includesexclusive seamless, deep drawn interior,IntrLogic microprocessor control, single(stackable) or dual chamber cabinetsinfrared or thermal control, HEPA filtrationand personal size Midi incubators. Alsoincluded is a complete listing of productspecifications and a full line of accessories.Revco designs, manufactures and markets acomplete line of microprocessor- controlled,high-performance laboratory refrigeratorsand freezers, chest and upright low-temper-ature freezers from 150°C to 186°C;mechanically refrigerated 1140°C and1150°C cryogenic storage systems; andautomatic CO2 cell culture incubators usedin life science, industrial and hospital/clini-cal applications world-wide.Reader Service No. 117

Culture tubesFrom Bibby Sterilin www.bibby-sterilin.co.uk

Disposable culture tubes

Bibby’s sterile culture tubes are suitable formost routine laboratory procedures andavoid the risk of cross contamination. Theyare biologically inert and free from mouldrelease agents, and can be supplied with orwithout caps. The ribbed polypropylenecaps have two positions: loose for aerobicwork or sealed for anaerobic cultures. Thetubes are manufactured from virgin ther-moplastics — either translucent polypropy-lene or transparent polystyrene. The poly-styrene tubes will withstand moderatecentrifugation speeds and temperatures to

Disposable, but good for 121 °C.Square deal: Nalgene bottles up your media.

Filter tip: use this one, say Corning Costar.

© 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd

ECISFrom Applied BioPhysics www.biophysics.com

ECIS, electric cell-substrate impedancesensing

The ECIS biosensor measures the behaviourof cultured cells in real time and reportschanges in morphology and cell movementwith unparalleled sensitivity. Cells aregrown in special disposable wells havingsmall gold electrodes. With the ECIS Model100, up to 16 individual cultures can be followed simultaneously using a weak ACsignal that has no effect on the cells. A PCautomatically processes all data and alsodirects and manages data acquisition withuser-friendly software. Applications whereECIS should be considered include mea-surements of cell spreading and motility,determination of endothelial cell barrierfunction, and screening assays for in vitrotoxicology and drug discovery.Reader Service No. 120

Direct heat CO2 incubatorsFrom Forma Scientific www.forma.com

A direct approach to incubators

The latest CO2 incubators from FormaScientific feature heating elements andfibreglass insulation surrounding all sides of the outer chamber wall to provide uniform heating and faster recovery timesafter door openings. These Direct Heat CO2

Incubators are available with either stainlesssteel or solid copper interior giving 6.5cubic feet of usable culturing space and100% coved corners for easy cleaning. Aheated outer door with non-CFC insulationreduces the chance of condensation. Anoptional HEPA Filtered Airflow System thatprovides 100% HEPA filtered air through-out the chamber is available.Reader Service No. 121

TransferMan NK From Eppendorf www.eppendorf.com

Cell manipulation

This new electronic micromanipulator isdesigned for demanding manipulation tech-niques involving suspension cells.TransferMan NK combines the features of amechanical system (intuitive control ofmovements via proportional kinetics) withthe advantages of electronic control, includ-ing storage of positions and selectable joy-stick transmission. TransferMan NK is par-ticularly suitable for applications in the fieldof assisted reproduction (such as intracyto-plasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as well as inthe research lab for the transfer of embry-onal stem cells (ES cells), for microinjectioninto suspension cells or for the latest cloningtechniques. TransferMan NK can also beused for the microdissection of single cells orcell groups from fixed preparations, thusexpanding the applicational range to coverthe fields of pathology and cytology. Reader Service No. 122

These notes are compiled in the Nature officefrom information provided by the manufacturers.For more details, fill in the reader service cardbound inside the journal.

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70°C, and polypropylene tubes can be centrifuged at higher speeds and will resisttemperatures from 1196°C to 121 °C.Reader Service No. 118

IG650/750From Jouan Inc. www.jouaninc.com

A new brochure describes Jouan’s IG 650/750CO2 incubators

The IG 650 IR incubator is designed to pro-vide rapid recovery from a door openingand humidity control for the advanced cellculture researcher. The IG 750 IR incubatoradds oxygen control to the IG 650 system.The IG 650 is designed to allow culture onsemisolid media and in very small volumeswhere evaporative losses from the mediamust be minimized. The IG 750 will allowthe culture of cells needing either reducedoxygen levels or elevated oxygen levels.Reader Service No. 119

READER ENQUIRY NO. 39

THIOREDOXINGLUTAREDOXIN

(E.coli,mammalian)

WWW.imcocorp.se

IMCO Corporation Ltd ABFax:+46 8 728 47 76 - email: info@imcocorp.se

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READER ENQUIRY NO. 54READER ENQUIRY NO. 20

ECIS, senses cells in mid-culture.

CO2 incubators: Jouan claim rapid recovery.