Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced its Cell Growth and Discovery (CGD) WorkCell, an enclosed, environmentally-controlled automation solution for high capacity cell growth, supply, and in-line image analysis. Combining software with robotics, the CGD WorkCell can simultaneously handle multiple plate/flask formats and perform cell maintenance, colony selection, and RNAi studies.
It has been designed specifically for the growth and analysis of multiple cell lines and cultures. This high capacity system offers level II HEPA containment with strategic ports for user access while still protecting cells from contamination, and users from potentially hazardous aerosols and vapors. The CGD WorkCell can perform a wide variety of assays at the optimal point of cell growth and has extensive process flexibility to meet the culture and experimental demands of varying cell types. With the ability to accommodate multiple container formats, the CGD WorkCell can provide cells suitable for a variety of research needs, from cloning and transfection studies, to general cell line amplification in one system.
The WorkCell is powered by Celleste Software, which provides a user-friendly workflow management tool, can turn complex automated multi-cell line schedules into simple task buttons and configures process-specific operations for ease-of-use. Users can dynamically schedule automated cell growth, manipulation, and analytical procedures, tracking activities without actively managing complex cell growth programs. Additionally, the CGD WorkCell allows extensive method optimization and control monitoring. 24/7 operation enables long-term cell maintenance, providing alerts when cells are confluent and ready for use, and tracking reagents and consumable levels.
The Cell Growth and Discovery (CGD) WorkCell will be displayed at Booth 405 at Lab Automation 2008.
Filed Under: Drug Discovery
