Genetix's ClonePix FL system gets US patent

Genetix, a leading provider of solutions for imaging and image analysis, announces that it was granted a patent, US 7,776,584 on August 17, 2010. Aspects of this patent are incorporated into ClonePix FL, which is used for the screening and selection of cell lines producing biopharmaceuticals.

ClonePix FL can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with recombinant protein generation. Included in the multiple claims of the patent are those that refer to the use of automated imaging and image processing to identify animal cell colony locations, a picking head with hollow pins, a method wherein animal cell colonies are stained with a fluorescent agent to assist image processing and a claim covering single cell applications.

“The power of ClonePix FL technology lies in its ability to visualise and quantify proteins secreted from thousands of clones in situ, and to select and isolate only the highest value candidates, significantly shortening timescales and simplifying downstream culture,” commented Dr. Julian F Burke, CSO: “ClonePix FL overcomes many of the drawbacks typically associated with alternative manual methods for isolating choice mammalian cell clones, such as limited dilution, which are time consuming, resource intensive and costly, and prone