Genetix, a leading provider of solutions for imaging and image analysis, announces that it was granted a patent, US 7,776,584 on August 17, 2010. Aspects of this patent are incorporated into ClonePix FL, which is used for the screening and selection of cell lines producing biopharmaceuticals.
ClonePix FL can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with recombinant protein generation. Included in the multiple claims of the patent are those that refer to the use of automated imaging and image processing to identify animal cell colony locations, a picking head with hollow pins, a method wherein animal cell colonies are stained with a fluorescent agent to assist image processing and a claim covering single cell applications.
“The power of ClonePix FL technology lies in its ability to visualise and quantify proteins secreted from thousands of clones in situ, and to select and isolate only the highest value candidates, significantly shortening timescales and simplifying downstream culture,” commented Dr. Julian F Burke, CSO: “ClonePix FL overcomes many of the drawbacks typically associated with alternative manual methods for isolating choice mammalian cell clones, such as limited dilution, which are time consuming, resource intensive and costly, and prone to cross contamination of cells and user error.”
ClonePix FL has been validated for the specific detection of secreted antibodies and monomeric proteins, cell surface proteins, and intrinsic GFP fusion proteins. It is compatible with a range of cell types including hybridoma, myeloma, HEK293, and both suspension-adapted and adherent CHO cells. Rapidly becoming industry standard, ClonePix FL increases overall productivity, leaving more time to better characterize antibodies and begin new projects. This new patent adds to the growing portfolio of patents covering Genetix’ ClonePix FL system.
Headquartered in New Milton, UK, with offices in the UK, US, Germany and Japan, Genetix is an independent business unit within Leica Microsystems. The company provides scientists and clinicians with unrivalled solutions for imaging and intelligent image analysis in the life science and clinical markets.