Cyntellect, Burnham Institute collaborate on in-situ live cell manipulation for stem cell research

Aug. 27, 2008

August 27, 2008 -- Biotechnology company Cyntellect and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have entered into a joint collaboration to develop new applications on Cyntellect's in-situ live cell imaging and laser processing system, "LEAP." The partnership will develop applications of LEAP for varied research on stem cells.

August 27, 2008 -- Biotechnology company Cyntellect and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have entered into a joint collaboration to develop new applications on Cyntellect's in situ live cell imaging and laser processing system, "LEAP." The collaboration will focus on developing applications of LEAP for automated purification of stem cells, stem cell colonies, and the differentiated cells derived from stem cells.

Cyntellect and Burnham expect these new applications will accelerate discovery of new knowledge of stem cell differentiation factors and pathways, and generate cell populations that may be used to deliver the potential therapeutic benefits of stem cells.

Under the agreement, Burnham will gain access to LEAP, which is expected to accelerate Burnham research; and Cyntellect will gain certain commercial rights to discoveries under the collaboration.

"In situ laser processing with LEAP has provided us the unique ability to purify rare adherent cell types in an efficient, automated and sterile manner," said Mark Mercola, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Director, Del E. Webb Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center. "We also believe LEAP can be a transforming technology in the downstream use of stem cells and their progeny as it has clear potential as a sample preparation system for adherent cell types derived from stem cell populations."

LEAP is an automated live cell analysis and processing system that combines high-speed optical imaging (brightfield or fluorescence) and real-time image analysis with high-speed in situ laser manipulation of cells. Using LEAP, researchers have demonstrated: (i) accelerated functional cloning of cells, including highly-secreting cells for biopharmaceutical manufacturing purposes, (ii) image-based cell purification of adherent and non-adherent cell types and (iii) laser-based macromolecule delivery into cells, including siRNA, small molecules, proteins and quantum dots.