Cell line development is a key tool and requirement in almost every experimental workflow in drug discovery and development. The ability to track and trace single cells through clonal development is a critical need, not only for research scientists but also for audit trails and regulatory filings. Several tools exist for this process, from simple limiting dilutionA statistical cloning approach where cells are diluted to low density to “hopefully” seed one cell per well; commonly used but can be low-efficiency for difficult-to-clone lines. More to the most complex multi-million-dollar automated robotic platforms. Despite the advances in single cell isolation technologies and the emergence of several platforms, a common challenge among users is the lack of efficiency and the impact on cell viability in these workflows.
Managing the inefficiency and the loss of viability is a continued struggle that has come up time and time again in our conversations with researchers about their everyday experimental process. Whether end users choose to solve these issues by working through a high volume of generating single cells or via unnecessarily high investment in multiple systems throughout their workflow, there always seems to be a need for another step or tool in an attempt to improve the process. Without a doubt, the cell line development community has an acute unmet need for one integrated platform that can provide a high number of monoclonal clones in a short amount of time starting from a cell suspension to a healthy single cell-derived colony, while also delivering true direct proof of clonality and a full archive of images for track and trace of events.
The CellRaft AIR® System provides such a platform based on a single CellRaft® Array that allows users to keep cells in a flask-like environment while segregating them for automated isolation from image confirmation of their development into targets of interest. Now there is a tool that allows researchers to attain an average of 75%+ of clonal outgrowth efficiency with 5x fewer consumables and media while providing images for track and trace capability (without spending a million dollars on hardware, software, and reagents). Learn how to eliminate the roadblock of clonal development and see how your research can change! With over 80 cell lines tested, the Cell Raft AIR is uniquely positioned to help in 2D and 3D biology.
Download the white paper that compares technologies and discusses overcoming challenges to learn more.
Scott McGinnis boasts a remarkable 25-year journey, cultivating profound insights through engaging with researchers across esteemed organizations within the dynamic life science sector. His career has seen him excel at renowned companies such as Life Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Essen BioScience, and Sartorius. Over this span, Scott has diligently honed his expertise in constructing and guiding high-performing teams, specializing in the art of selling cutting-edge instrumentation within the realms of microscopy, flow cytometry, and bio-analytical sciences. Scott is an alumnus of the College of Holy Cross, where he earned a distinguished B.A. in Chemistry, laying a strong foundation for his enduring passion and commitment to advancing scientific endeavors.
In the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “superbugs,” scientists are constantly seeking innovative tools to understand the mechanisms of resistance and develop effective treatments. One such groundbreaking technology is shear flow systems, which have emerged as game-changers in microbiological research. By simulating the dynamic conditions of bacteria’s natural environments, such as the human body or food processing, shear flow systems provide unique insights into bacterial behavior and resistance mechanisms that traditional static methods simply cannot achieve. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using shear flow systems to combat antibiotic resistance and develop next-generation therapies.
Antibiotic resistance is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and the formation of biofilms. Traditional laboratory methods often fail to capture the dynamic nature of these processes, leading to incomplete or misleading results. Shear flow systems address this limitation by providing a more realistic environment for bacterial growth and interaction. Here’s how:
1. Mimicking Real-World Conditions
In the human body, bacteria are rarely in a static state. They are constantly exposed to fluid flow, such as blood circulation or urine flow, which influences their behavior and resistance mechanisms. Shear flow systems can replicate these conditions, allowing researchers to study how bacteria respond to antibiotics under realistic physiological conditions. This is critical for understanding how resistance develops and persists in vivo. This benefit was recently highlighted in a webinar presented by Dr. Katharina Richter, a microbiology researcher from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Using a high-throughput BioFlux Shear Flow System, Dr. Richter and her team were able to test 3 different methods of superbug treatments under physiological conditions.
2. Studying Biofilm Formation and Resistance
Biofilms—structured communities of bacteria encased in a protective matrix—are a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. Biofilms are notoriously difficult to treat because they shield bacteria from antibiotics and the immune system. Shear flow systems enable researchers to study biofilm formation in real time, observing how bacteria adhere to surfaces, form microcolonies, and develop resistance under flow conditions. For example, using a BioFlux, Dr. Richter was able to leverage high-resolution imaging to obtain unprecedented insight into the biofilm killing and prevention efficacy of a copper and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) combination nanoparticles¹. The group is currently investigating the use of a Cu-DDC infused gel that can be injected into wounds that are at high risk for chronic infection, such as hernia.
The study of biofilm communities presents unique challenges in experimental design and analysis. While mixed bacterial populations offer fascinating insights into microbial interactions and community dynamics, accurately characterizing and investigating these complex systems has previously required sophisticated and tedious technical approaches. Here, we will discuss advances in technology that have helped to simplify and streamline polymicrobial investigations.
Throughout the last decade, a trend for growing and assaying biofilms under shear flow has gained traction among microbiologists. The rationale for investigating biofilms under flow is multi-dimensional. A recent Cell Microsystems survey asked why microbiologists are using shear flow found that the top responses were:
Of the scientists surveyed, 40% indicated that they use a BioFlux Shear Flow System. This system provides unique advantages over other methods to induce shear stress, such as slide-based parallel plate flow chambers and benchtop rockers.
BioFlux uses microfluidic channels embedded onto the bottom of standard-sized 6, 24, or 48-well plates to create isolated and independent flow chambers where user-defined wall shear stress is initiated and maintained by digitally controlled air pressure. This not only simplifies the setup and experimental processes but also ensures that experiments are contained and do not contaminate the shear flow system.
Although shear flow has been thoroughly demonstrated to improve the biological relevance of biofilm investigations1, an often overlooked aspect of biofilm physiology is the significant role that multicellular aggregates play in biofilm formation2. When investigating Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it has been demonstrated that multicellular aggregates lead to faster biofilm formation and enhanced resistance to antimicrobials and immune responses3. In addition, multispecies microbial aggregates have been shown to dominate single cells in human saliva4. Together, these data show that aggregates are important areas of investigation because they are more likely to represent physiological biofilm formation and growth.
