Tecan Spark multimode reader for live cell assays

Tecan’s updated Spark reader combines the benefits of a multimode microplate reader and a brightfield imaging system in a compact package. Unlike other multimode readers, Spark lets users actually see what’s happening to their cells, offering automated cell imaging, confluence measurements, cell counting and viability assessments to simplify cell biology protocols and enable long-term, walkaway experiments.

The product has been developed specifically to address the needs of cell-based workflows. It incorporates a host of features — including precise regulation of temperature, gas partial pressures and humidity — to provide an incubator-like environment and maintain optimal assay conditions. The system’s Live Viewer function turns a microplate reader into an automated microscope at the touch of a button, allowing the user to instantly image and photograph defined positions in a microplate well.

It offers brightfield microscope-like functionality with 4x magnification and a user-definable focus, providing another way to perform fast and easy quality control of cells before starting an assay. In addition, the cell imaging module offers high-throughput, label-free cell counting and one-click, trypan blue-based cell viability analysis using disposable Cell Chips.

The unit helps to generate reproducible cell-based assay data by allowing the user to continuously monitor cell confluence within the microplate and automatically injects a reagent once a user-defined confluence level is achieved. The system’s Fusion Optics combine the flexibility of monochromators with the sensitivity of filters.