High content screening (HCS) attempts to bridge the gap between microscopy and cytometry, providing both large quantities of statically useful and phenotypically rich data. High content screening combines automated microscopy with customizable algorithms able to detect and quantify many different types of phenotypic information in both fixed and living cultured cells. Part of the Bionand Cell Culture Unit, the Perkin Elmer Operetta high content screening combines the quality of a spinning disc confocal microscope with Harmony HCS software, which contains many common algorithms such as nuclei and cells detection, as well as the ability to “learn” new phenotypes. Bionand will also offer access to the advanced server-based Columbus HCS software.
Applications:
>> Drug dose response curve calculation: On a single plate multiple concentrations or combinations of compounds can be easily and quickly tested. The software includes all the analysis and presentation tool required to calculate IC50 values. And display response curves
>> Small molecule screens based on changes in cell phenotype: Not all phenotypes can be detected easily by cytometry. Operetta allows very complex phenotypes (e.g. organelle distribution or cell organization changes) to be detected automatically and reliably.
>> Large scale siRNA screens: Automatic detections of up to 384 different siRNAs on a single plate and analysis them automatically makes it possible to perform genome-scale screens for phenotypes of interest
>> Long term cell culture studies: Operetta is equipped with temperature and CO2 control making it suitable for maintaining live cultured cells in optimal conditions during image acquisition