Hamamatsu Launches New Imaging Plate Reader

Hamamatsu has announced the release of the FDSS/uCELL, an affordable new imaging plate reader for kinetic cell-based assay development, including GPCR and ion channel research.

The uCELL ("micro cell") offers a cost-effective way for biotechnology companies, research institutes, and clinical research organizations to introduce the highly reliable and advanced Hamamatsu FDSS (Functional Drug Screening System) technology to their daily operations. It is ideally suited for labs that require access to the functionality of expensive drug discovery instrumentation, but at lower cost.

The FDSS/uCELL is designed for fast and easy operation. It accepts plates in either 96 or 384 well format, and is equipped with a high-sensitivity Hamamatsu camera that images the entire plate simultaneously. This process results in shorter readout times than conventional scanning-based systems. Agonist/antagonist assays can be performed in the same run. Software allows users to quickly set assay parameters in a single protocol, which can be later transferred to an FDSS7000 for further screening. An optional washing system enables tips to be reused several times.