Netherlands-based QIAGEN has launched QIAscout for molecular analysis of individual cells.
QIAscout has been designed to separate single cells from samples to facilitate a cost-efficient and accurate single-cell analysis for next-generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other downstream applications.
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The compact device can integrate with QIAGEN’s single cell library preparation, panels and bioinformatics in order to create comprehensive workflow solutions for scientists to get better insights from any sample.
According to QIAGEN life sciences business area senior vice-president Brad Crutchfield, QIAscout enables an accurate selection of single cells in a short span time through visual control using a standard microscope.
The cells remain unaffected in their natural environment and can further be used for any downstream application including NGS, PCR, or stem cell / stem line research.
University of Szeged researcher Dr Lajos Kemény said: “Being able to achieve a deep molecular characterisation at the single cell level is essential to get a more precise, and more meaningful, insight into cellular mechanisms.
"Characterising the sum of cells with a mixed population of sub-cell types is simply insufficient.
"We found QIAscout to be a very suitable system to follow the fate of cells in real time with both traditional light and confocal microscopy.
“The ease of finding the position of the cell of interest at any time, and selecting and transferring individual cells with nearly 100% sufficiency and survival rate for further observation or downstream molecular characterisation, contributed greatly to our capabilities.”
QIAscout is based on a patented technology featuring a high-density array with 12.000 microrafts which can isolate and restore individual cells from a cell suspension.
It is compatible with major brands of inverted microscopes and operates with it to select and release isolated single cells in a reliable way.
QIAGEN has entered an exclusive commercialisation partnership with ZEISS Microscopy to market the QIAscout as a convenient add-on feature to all of its inverted microscopes.
