The Automation Partnership Premiers Live Cell Observation and Analysis System at LabAutomation 2010

The Automation Partnership (TAP) today announced the US launch of Cell-IQ® - a live cell observation and analysis system. The automated system has applications in drug discovery and stem cell research and is being premiered on Booth 457 at LabAutomation 2010 in Palm Springs, California, USA.

Cell-IQ, developed by Finnish company Chip-Man Technologies, is already being successfully employed in prestigious universities and institutes across Europe and Asia and is now exclusively available via TAP in the US and Canada. It consists of a cell culture incubator, microscope, light source and high resolution camera integrated to intelligent image analysis software that automatically monitors, records and quantifies changes in cell morphology and distribution, without the need for labels or dyes. The system allows cells grown in plates to be maintained under optimal growth conditions for days or weeks, maintaining imaging settings even when the plates are removed to change media. Cell-IQ enables long term walk-away observation and analysis, ensuring data of consistent quality with minimal user intervention.

Dr Jane Spencer-Fry, CEO of Chip-Man Technologies, stated: “We chose to collaborate with TAP because they have good penetration in the US automated cell culture market and like Chip-Man are renowned for quality and excellent service. TAP has employed a dedicated Product Specialist, based in the US, who will provide expertise and support in discussions regarding use of primary cells, cell co-cultures and mono-layer tissues.”

David Newble, TAP’s CEO, added: "We are excited to be the exclusive supplier of Cell-IQ to US academic and commercial cell culture laboratories. This system fits perfectly into our growing automated cell culture and processing portfolio as we continue to strengthen our dominance in this market sector. We look forward to unveiling this powerful live cell observation and analysis system on Booth 457 at LabAutomation 2010.”