About Cytostar-T TM Plates
Versatile
Range of applications from cell proliferation to mRNA quantification.
Homogeneous
Real-time and non-invasive quantification, amenable to automation.
Sterile and tissue-culture treated plate
Suitable for cell culture, transparent base plate allows visualization of cells.
Convenient
Scintillant incorporated into base plate, no liquid scintillant disposal costs.
Available in 5 plate and 100 plate packs.
Compatible with
existing instrumentation
Wallac MicroBeta™ or Packard TopCount™ counters. |
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What are Cytostar-T Scintillating Microplates?This product is based on the principles of scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology and requires the use of b-emitting isotopes, such as 14C, 32P, 35S, 125I and 3H. The b-particles released on decay of these isotopes can only travel a short distance in aqueous solution and will only generate a signal in a scintillation counter if they encounter scintillant molecules within this short pathlength.
Cytostar-T scintillating microplates are the same size and shape as standard 96-well microplates but have been designed specifically for cell-based assays. The microplates have transparent bases, allowing microscopic visualization of cells, are tissue-culture-treated and sterilized. The key difference from other microplates is the incorporation of scintillant into the plastic base plate. Following tissue culture treatment and sterilization of the plate, adherent cells can be cultured on the Cytostar-T plate. When these cells take up radioactive isotopes the isotope is brought into close proximity with the scintillant-containing base, generating a light signal which can be detected using any plate-based scintillation counter. Unincorporated radioisotopes that remain in solution are unable to stimulate the scintillant-containing base and no signal is generated. In this way, the Cytostar-T plates can be utilized in non-invasive and real-time analysis of cellular events.
Cytostar-T scintillating microplates can also be treated with appropriate coatings for suspension cells (for example, poly-D lysine) and Amersham Biosciences would be pleased to discuss customized coatings of the microplate for specific project needs.
Section of a single well from Cytostar-T scintillating microplate, illustrating the principle of Cytostar-T technology | 
