Building on our successful flow cytometric technique for analyzing in vivo micronuclei, Litron is continuing work with a Phase II grant focused on in vitro samples. The National Cancer Institute SBIR grant is titled "Rapid Screen for Genotoxicants, Chemoprotectors and Radioprotectors." This new method, called "In Vitro MicroFlow," takes advantage of high speed flow cytometry and will overcome many limitations found in other methods.

Used to test compounds for DNA-damaging effects, the in vitro micronucleus test has seen sharply rising demand in recent years within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, among others. For this reason, there is an urgent need for rapid, automated analysis.

The objectives for this grant are:

• "Miniaturize" the assay
• Increase sample throughput
• Show efficacy by surveying a large number of well-known compounds

Miniaturization will benefit the assay by reducing the amount of test article required and facilitating the use of 96-well plate liquid-handling and sampling technologies. To support the work, Litorn has acquired a new, state-of-the-art flow cytometer with a high-throughput sampling capabilities, and a robotic liquid handler for automated cell-treatment and reagent delivery.

This work will offer significant benefits to researchers who must keep up with always-increasing number of in vitro micronucleus tests to be performed. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this new work.

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