Novel Collagen-based Process Creates Complex 3D Cell Cultures in 3 Simple Steps
Cambridge, UK: TAP Biosystems, a leading supplier of innovative automation and consumables for life science applications today launched a new RAFT System on Booth 815 at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) Conference in San Diego, USA. The system comprises a new, custom RAFT microwell plate, reagents, plate heater and protocol for the production of 3D cell cultures in a simple, consistent and reproducible format.
Based on a patented process, RAFT enables the production of reproducible 3D cell cultures in a standard 96-well plate format designed for compound screening and cell biology research. It uses collagen to create a realistic cellular environment to study cells’ complex behaviour and gives scientists complete control over their experimental parameters. Researchers can choose cell types and cell seeding densities and create complex co-cultures including multiple layers, if required. A broad range of analytical techniques, such as imaging, biochemical, histological and ‘omics techniques, can be applied to the 3D cell cultures.
RAFT has been independently recognised as revolutionary by the SLAS and has been shortlisted as just one of nine finalists for the prestigious SLAS Innovation Award for extraordinary innovative advances.
At the booth, TAP Biosystems showed how the simple 3 step process of mix, make and measure simplifies the route to improved results from 3D experiments. Scientists simply mix the reagents from the kit with their cells, pipette into 96 well plates and incubate on the plate heater for 30 minutes to form a cell-seeded collagen hydrogel. The RAFT plate is placed on the hydrogels, and in just 15 minutes the medium is absorbed gently, leaving cells “encapsulated” in physiological strength collagen, ideal for use in cell-based secondary screening.
Dr Grant Cameron, TAP Biosystems’ RAFT Development Director commented: “Many researchers want to use a more realistic cellular environment but have so far found 3D cell culture technically demanding and often with variable results. RAFT offers an innovative method of accessing a wide range of reproducible cell cultures, which could be beneficial for providing more physiological relevant responses in oncology, stem cell and general cell biology applications.
