High Content Screening (HCS) uses microscopic imaging to observe, measure and analyse multiple parameters within cells in a biological assay.

The Wes^TM system from ProteinSimple is a fully automated device which runs the Simple Western size assay; a highly reproducible and sensitive alternative to standard Western blotting assays.

We have developed a 3-D micro-tissue system from electrospun material that can be used in conjunction with well plates for higher throughput screening. Additionally, we use Ultra Low Attachment (ULA) plates to generate and culture spheroids.

Our scientists have in-depth experience of label-free technology applied to cell-based assays gained over the past 6 years using Corning Epic, PerkinElmer EnSpire and SRU Bioscience Bind instruments.

Cell based assays are of key importance at a number of stages in the drug discovery process. Being able to examine the interaction between your target and compounds in a cellular context is of great advantage.

With over 20 years of screening experience we are adept at designing screening assays and screening 100,000 to 1 million compounds in 384 well and 1536 well plates.

We use FLIPR in a range of assay formats, readouts and target types.

Typical screens have required upwards of 10¹⁰ cells. We have developed methodologies to grow, sub-culture, harvest, cryopreserve and revive these quantities of cells from single batches, thus reducing screening variability, allowing cells to be used in an identical manner to other assay reagents, reviving and using what is required on a daily basis.

Flow cytometry can simultaneously analyse multiple parameters such as relative size, internal complexity, relative fluorescence intensity, etc on the same cell within seconds. 

Using our Applied Biosystems™ QuantStudio™ 6 Flex Real-Time PCR system, we are able to investigate quantitative differences in mRNA expression in relation to pathways and targets identified as being of interest to clients. 

We have carried out biochemical screening for a range of targets including but not limited to proteases, kinases, phosphodiesterase enzymes and protein:protein interactions.

Acting as an intermediary between instrument manufacturers and reagent manufacturers and prospective clients, we can provide an expert lab-based environment for the validation of new technologies.

Using Promega’s NanoBRET™ technology, we have employed intracellular kinase assays designed to study the interaction of compounds on kinase targets in intact living cells.