Jan 13 2010
The Automation Partnership (TAP), a world leader in the design and 
      development of innovative automation for life science applications, today 
      announced the US launch of Cell-IQ® - a live cell 
      observation and analysis system. The automated system has applications 
      in drug discovery and stem cell research and is being premiered on Booth 
      457 at LabAutomation 2010 in Palm Springs, California, USA.
    
    
      Cell-IQ, developed by Finnish company Chip-Man Technologies, is already 
      being successfully employed in prestigious universities and institutes 
      across Europe and Asia and is now exclusively available via TAP in the 
      US and Canada. It consists of a cell culture incubator, microscope, 
      light source and high resolution camera integrated to intelligent image 
      analysis software that automatically monitors, records and quantifies 
      changes in cell morphology and distribution, without the need for labels 
      or dyes. The system allows cells grown in plates to be maintained under 
      optimal growth conditions for days or weeks, maintaining imaging 
      settings even when the plates are removed to change media. Cell-IQ 
      enables long term walk-away observation and analysis, ensuring data of 
      consistent quality with minimal user intervention.
    
    
      Dr Jane Spencer-Fry, CEO of Chip-Man Technologies, stated: “We chose to 
      collaborate with TAP because they have good penetration in the US 
      automated cell culture market and like Chip-Man are renowned for quality 
      and excellent service. TAP has employed a dedicated Product Specialist, 
      based in the US, who will provide expertise and support in discussions 
      regarding use of primary cells, cell co-cultures and mono-layer tissues.”
    
    
      David Newble, TAP’s CEO, added: "We are excited to be the exclusive 
      supplier of Cell-IQ to US academic and commercial cell culture 
      laboratories. This system fits perfectly into our growing automated cell 
      culture and processing portfolio as we continue to strengthen our 
      dominance in this market sector. We look forward to unveiling this 
      powerful live cell observation and analysis system on Booth 457 
      at LabAutomation 2010.” 
Source: The Automation Partnership