Automating Label-free Assays using the EnSpire ... - PerkinElmer

Technical Note
EnSpire Multimode Plate Reader
Automating
Label-free Assays
Introduction
Label-free technology is growing in popularity with
pharmaceutical, biotech and academic scientists due to
the benefits of integrated cellular response, high sensitivity
in both endogenous cellular systems and biochemical
binding assays and its non-invasiveness. PerkinElmer’s
portfolio of label-free products includes the EnSpire ®
Multimode Plate Reader with Corning ® Epic ® label-free
technology, microplates and validated cell lines. While
data is shown demonstrating that with care, equivalent
performance can be achieved manually, here we demonstrate
the power of combining our label-free offering with
our JANUS ® automated workstation portfolio to automate
label-free assay preparation steps.
The benefits of automated label-free assays
As with any labeled assay technology, Z’ and assay
window for label-free assays are optimum when good
quality manual or automated pipetting is employed. Using
JANUS to set up your label-free assays ensures accurate,
reproducible results:
• Timing of pipetting steps: ensures that in time-sensitive
steps, the time delay intervals occur with precision
• Consistent dispense speeds and heights: optimal optical
sensor performance in each microwell
• Elimination of errors guarantees the exquisite sensitivity
of label-free results
• Consistency among users
• Reduces the time spent manually preparing your assays,
freeing you up to focus on more important work
While equivalent results can be achieved with
manual pipetting, automation offers a number of
benefits for label-free assays.

Workflow steps in label-free cell based assays
Label-free protocol steps that benefit the most from effective liquid handling
Seed Cells
BUFFER EXCHANGE
• Effective mixing
Incubate Cells Overnight
Serum Starve Cells Overnight (Optional)
Buffer Exchange
Cell-based assays require >3
aspirate and dispense cycles.
Mixing reduces variability.
Incubate Cells for 90 minutes at room temperature
• Controlled dispense rate and height
Loosely adherent cells require gentle buffer exchange
Baseline Scan
(30 min)
COMPOUND DISPENSING
• Minimal transfer time
Agonist Assay
Scan (60 min)
Add Compounds
1
Agonist Assay
Scan (30 min)
384 pipetting head means reduced time
between addition of compound to final
well of plate vs. reading of first well of
plate. Earlier signalling responses are
thus observable in cell-based assays.
Add Compounds
2
• Controlled dispense height
Data Analysis
Agonist Assay
Scan (60 min)
DMR signal
increases by
10-30% for each
mm that dispense
height is closer to
well bottom.
Z' increases as
compound is
dispensed closer
to well bottom
Data Analysis
Dispense height is
pre-set so no risk to
bio-sensor or cell
monolayer
• Controlled dispense rate
Faster response, higher signal response, lowered variability
2
3

Automated configurations to suit your label-free throughput and application
Stand-alone Mini-JANUS
Automated Workstation
Ideal for lower throughput research applications
such as GPCRs, ion channels and receptor tyrosine
kinase assays
Mini-JANUS with PlateStak
Automated Microplate Handler
Ideal for medium throughput biochemical endpoint
assays in assay development and hit to lead
areas. Applicable to small molecule and biologic
and antibody drug development.
The EnSpire stacker module includes 20- or 50-plate magazines, and is
compatible with the PlateStak ® Automated Microplate Handler to allow
efficient manual transfer of plates to the EnSpire.
cell::explorer Automated Platform
Complete HTS automation for drug discovery and
stem cell research in a temperature controlled
environment.
PerkinElmer, Inc.
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Waltham, MA 02451 USA
P: (800) 762-4000 or
(+1) 203-925-4602
www.perkinelmer.com
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Copyright ©2011, PerkinElmer, Inc. All rights reserved. PerkinElmer ® is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc. Corning and Epic are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
009642_01 July 2011 Printed in USA