Cell maintenance systems, automated

The trend in the industry has been to automate the Caco-2 permeability assay using semi- or fully automated procedures. With such a system it is possible to obtain a throughput in order of approximately 400-500 compounds per week. Automated Caco-2 assay systems are commercially available through Tecan/BD Bioscience and Bohdan Mettler Toledo. In addition, automated systems for maintenance of cell cultures are commercially available, while totally automated systems for both maintenance and culturing of cells grown on permeable filter supports are under development, e.g., by companies such as The Automation Partnership. 

Labor and operating costs are low. The system is highly automated allowing for minimal operator intervention. The two major operating costs are power and membrane maintenance. Allied-Signal s commitment and continued research and development of the AQUATECH membranes and stack design ensures longer lifetime on the membrane and even more power efficient units. Membrane replacements are facilitated by cell modules pre-assembled for easy installation. 

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