Technologies
     
  GEM
BioLevitator
Global Cell Automation
   

As the life sciences industries rapidly shift towards cell-based assays and applications, researchers like you have been seeking more versatile, user-friendly cell culture processes that can be seamlessly integrated into key downstream applications.  Our goal is to not only streamline the cell culture process but to use cells as reagents. To meet our goals and your demands we have developed the Global Eukaryotic Microcarrier™ (GEM™) technology. This technology consists of microspheres that range from 50 to 355 microns in diameter* embedded with magnetic particles creating a vehicle to gently suspend and manipulate anchorage-dependent cells.  The GEM technology enables rapid growth and development of the native morphology of cells and easy dispensing of the cells on the GEM™ substrate into 96-, 384- and 1536-well formats for downstream assays. Our distinctive technology provides a promising pathway to advanced cell-based assays by offering:

  • Non-toxic and dissolvable** growth substrate for easy and safe harvesting of cells.
  • Non-fluorescent optical clarity for monitoring cell morphology and for use in downstream fluorescent studies.
  • External control of cell culture suspension and nutrient access.
  • Optimized cell transfection and cryopreservation processes.
  • Growth and differentiation of cell lines, including primary and stem cells.

* Custom sizing is available.
** If required for specific cell-based application

 

Relevance
Growing cells on the GEM™ technology improves morphology and phenotypic expression. Improved phenotypic expression increases the relevancy of assay results and hastens the drug discovery process. To validate this point, we chose to study the morphology of primary human proximal tubule cells grown on the Transwell permeable support versus the GEM™ technology because proximal tubule cells are notoriously difficult to grow under conventional cell culture conditions and have a readily measurable and reproducible phenotype (microvilli). Results of the study showed that the cells grown on the GEM™ technology expressed a ten fold increase in microvilli compared to those growing on Transwell
(see Fig 1).
 

Convenience
1 ® Corning Inc.

Using the GEM™ technology as a vehicle for the cells makes downstream assays and processes more convenient. As you continue to grow cultures, our technology enables you to preserve valuable cell lines directly on the GEM™ eliminating the need for harvesting prior to cryopreservation as well as reseeding post-thaw. Direct cryopreservation of cells on the GEM™ technology translates into more convenient cell culture. Large batches of cells can be grown on the GEM™, dispensed into aliquots and frozen down for use in downstream assays at a later date reducing batch to batch variation. The storage of cells in this manner allows you to use cells as reagents and focus on your cell-based assays and obtaining relevant results rather than producing cells.

Cell-based assays and cell manipulations are a mainstay of the drug discovery process. Transfection via electroporation is greatly enhanced when the transfection is carried out on cells growing on the GEM™ technology. For example, T24 cells growing on the GEM™ substrate and in suspension were transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the consequent cell viabilities and transfection efficiencies measured. Results showed that transfection efficiencies increased 6-fold on cells growing on the GEM™ technology and cell survival rates increased 4-fold. Additionally, the process flow is streamlined; you do not have to passage cells, or wait for them to re-adhere to the flask before phenotypic expression begins.