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MY DREAM CLD LAB

Part 2: the single cell printer

Welcome back to My Dream CLD Lab series for the second item on my wish list.

Prior to the rise in automation, transfected cells were isolated manually by limiting dilution. Anyone who has performed this protocol knows it is a lengthy process, and not ideal when working in a high throughput laboratory. Therefore, the next item on my wish list is a single cell printer from cytena.

There are a number of cell printers on the market, and although I am of course biased towards cytena, their products are market leading for excellent reasons. Cytena’s range of single cell printers includes the x.sight series (including the c.sight, f.sight and b.sight) as well as the newest addition, the UP.SIGHT.

Here are the top 3 reasons why cytena’s single cell printers (specifically the UP.SIGHT) fulfils not only my requirements for my dream CLD lab, but also makes these instruments stand out from competitors.

Easy to use

Ease of use is one of the most common pieces of feedback I receive from customers who have used these instruments. For scientists with experience seeding single cells either by limiting dilution or other laborious methods, this instrument is a dream-come-true. Turn on instrument, load cartridge containing cells, close lid, and print – it’s as easy as that. The cartridges are single-use, so no cross-contamination concerns, and there are no rigorous cleaning regimes required.

Innovative technology

When it comes to the technology behind achieving single cell deposition, cytena have bested the competition. Rather than confirming single cell containing wells (versus multiple or empty wells) after the printing is completed, cytena developed a unique ‘inkjet-like’ technology where images are taken at the nozzle, image processing assesses the image for the number of cells, the contents of the nozzle is formed into a droplet, and if this droplet contains a single cell it is deposited into a well – but if it contains multiple or zero cells the droplet is discarded via a pneumatic shutter feature. This technology ensures the highest printing efficiency at a rapid speed.

UP.SIGHT features double clonality assurance

In addition to the single cell-assuring nozzle images provided by all of cytena’s single cell printers, the UP.SIGHT takes this assurance to the next level. An in-well 3D imaging capability has been added for double assurance of clonality, which is a distinct advantage for regulatory requirements. And impressively, this added imaging feature does not greatly compromise the speed.

So, for a fast and efficient, unique, and extra-assured solution to single cell deposition – the UP.SIGHT is the ideal instrument for my dream CLD laboratory.

To discuss any of my recommendations please get in contact with me at eharrington@bioprocess-eng.co.uk – I would love to discuss your process with you.

To recap, last time I discussed the fully automated NyONE imaging system from SYNENTEC – which was very well received by readers! To maximise the repeatability, quality, and efficiency of my CLD processes, automation should be incorporated as much as possible. But rather than skipping straight to selecting an automation platform, I should discuss the other instruments I would incorporate into my workflow, and this should begin from the very start with deposition of single cells.

Article by:
Ellen Harrington
Technical Sales Specialist
E. eharrington@bioprocess-eng.co.uk

 

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