
LanthaScreen technology
LanthaScreen is a TR-FRET technology which can be used to measure kinase activity, compound binding, and post-translation modification events. Read more about this type of assay here.
Labs need to check regularly if their cell cultures are contaminated by mycoplasma. One option is the MycoAlert™ mycoplasma detection kit from Lonza.
Mycoplasma can influence experimental results obtained for a certain cell line. Therefore, cell culture labs need to check regularly if their cultures are contaminated by mycoplasma species.
The MycoAlert™ mycoplasma detection kit from Lonza is specific for mycoplasmal enzymes that are not present in eukaryotic cells. After the addition of substrate, a high luminescent signal is created only in viable mycoplasma. Measurements of luminescence are taken before and after the addition of the MycoAlert™ substrate. A ratio is created from these measurements.
Ratio interpretation
The BMG LABTECH instruments come with the MARS Data Analysis Software that allows users to do calculations and validations to quickly identify samples that may be contaminated. An example of the detection of the MycoAlert assay on BMG LABTECH plate readers is shown in the application note: Detecting mycoplasma cell culture contamination using the CLARIOstar microplate reader.
MycoAlert is a registered trademark of LONZA
LanthaScreen is a TR-FRET technology which can be used to measure kinase activity, compound binding, and post-translation modification events. Read more about this type of assay here.
Although the concept of fluorescence gain has always been hard to grasp, it is a make-or-break parameter in microplate reading. Read here how to adjust it optimally.
HTRF combines time-resolved fluorescence detection with FRET and is mainly used for drug screening in high-throughput. Read more about this measurement approach here.
ELISAs are irreplaceable tools in the life sciences. This article explains the principle of ELISA assays and presents adjustments for optimal performance.
This article clarifies what integration time is, why it is important and how you can optimise the integration time for TR-FRET measurements.
Choosing the optimal or wrong microplate can significantly affect the performance of your assay - read this article for general tips and tricks.