Innovations in the field of life sciences-2009: No. 10
10th place according to The Scientist. Three-dimensional cell cultures.Benchtop BioLevitator, which includes an incubator and a centrifuge, is one of the first systems for growing three-dimensional cell cultures.
According to Amy Schneck, deputy manager for the release of new Hamilton Company products, the tool developed by the company's specialists belongs to a completely new type of technology. In addition to the fact that, compared with traditional two-dimensional cell culture systems, the biolevitator provides more realistic conditions, it also allows you to grow more cells in less time. The partner company Global Cell Solutions has already developed a unique microcartridge for a biolevitator – a matrix on the surface of which special proteins are applied, which promotes cell growth in a three-dimensional system.
The biolevitator allows you to grow four cell cultures at the same time, while the magnets built into it ensure the homogeneity of cultures and the maintenance of cells in a suspended state. Different variants of protein coatings make it possible to cultivate different cell lines. During the cultivation process, each of the four tubes is constantly monitored for carbon dioxide content, temperature, cell density and the level of acidity of the medium. Upon completion of cultivation, all data can be transferred to a computer for subsequent analysis via the USB port of the biolevitator.
The biolevitator, which currently costs $ 35,000, is a compact multi-purpose tool, the efficiency of which is higher than the efficiency of traditional two-dimensional systems, which reduces the amount of use of chemicals, laboratory utensils and other equipment and, accordingly, reduces financial costs and environmental burden. BioLevitator will be available in December 2009.