High-Throughput and High-Content Screening by DHM® is a label-free image-based solution providing quantitative information. It enables fully automated primary and secondary screenings in standard multi-well plates with hit validation, and dose response curves (EC 50).
Investigation of a wide range of cellular processes by DHM® has been demonstrated by publications, e.g. cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and migration, mode of action, cytoskeleton agent inhibitor, genotoxicity and profiling, shape and structure measurements, as well as GPCR signaling. It is compatible with extensive pharmacology studies. Moreover, these cellular processes can be studied on each cell within the same well. All the measurements are available from a single data set [Pavillon 2012].
Long term time-lapse measurements are possible with DHM® thanks to unrivaled screening speed and strictly non-invasive and label-free imaging. This makes it a unique system that shall become a standard equipment in every laboratory in a near future.
Experimental protocols are simplified and well defined. DHM® does not require multiple experiments with various labels. It simplifies experimental protocols and enables to perform screening assays that would be time consuming with alternative methods. High specificity using well defined protocols has been demonstrated by scientific publications [Kuhn 2013, Rappaz 2014].
High-Throughput and High-Content Screening solution combines a transmission DHM®, a motorized XYZ stage, a sample platform adapted to standard well plates format, and a specific software for automation. An optional fluorescence module enables you to compare DHM® measurements with your reference fluorescence assays, or for single cell analysis after segmentation. Output data are compatible with Cell Profiler software for more extensive detailed analysis.
DHM® solution is adopted for an increasing number of High-Content and Throughput-Screening applications in pharmaceutical companies and research facilities. It enables to accelerate new drugs discovery. Getting faster results decreases your research costs and enhance the publications of your innovative research to support new funds rising.
Image Based High-Throughput and High-Content-Screening by DHM® is not only a very competitive solution when speed and cost are relevant, or when time-lapse screening is required. It also enables many types of data analysis from a single measurement: cell viability and apoptosis pathway, toxicity, drug efficiency, morphology, etc. It has significant advantages for many applications compared to alternative systems.
- Non-quantitative techniques (Phase Contrast (PhC), Differential Interference Contrast (DIC))
- Quantitative techniques (Impedance, Light refraction, Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), magnetic resonance imaging (NMR), etc. )
- Epifluorescence
- Confocal Microscopy
DHM® is the only image-based label-free and quantitative technique available. It enables to study single cells and therefore provides good specificity using well defined protocols. Alternative non-labeled techniques require in most cases specific cell cultures with high degree of confluence and use of proprietary well plates. It only provides average values limiting their versatility.
One of the key feature of DHM® is its unique digital focalization. It enables to retrieve a sharp focus without time consuming vertical positioning adjustment of the samples. This enables unrivaled screening speed. An additional advantage is that focalization can be performed after acquisition, reducing the risk of losing an important set of data due to bad vertical adjustment.
With multiple measurements in a single acquisition, short screening time and low running costs, DHM is a very attractive solution.
Features | DHM® |
Alternative non-labeled techniques | |
Quantitative methods |
Non-quantitative methods |
||
Image based | |||
Multiple biological interpretation | |||
Specificity | + | – | – |
Digital focalization | |||
Measurement speed | ++ | – | – |
Compatibility with standard well plates | |||
Low running costs |
DHM® is a strictly non-invasive technique. In one hand, it is a label-free technique. On the other hand DHM® uses non-focused and low power laser illumination, preventing phototoxicity. It enables bias-free screening, and long time-lapse experiments.
One of the key feature of DHM® is its unique digital focalization. It enables to retrieve a sharp focus without time consuming vertical positioning adjustment of the samples. This enables unrivaled screening speed. An additional advantage is that focalization can be performed after acquisition, reducing the risk of losing an important set of data as a consequence of bad vertical adjustment. This key feature enables also to measure cells in 3D gels.
The absence of labeling reduces preparation time and running costs and makes DHM® a very attractive solution.
Features | DHM® | Fluorescence imaging | |
Epifluorescence |
Confocal | ||
Label-free | |||
Digital focalization | |||
Measurement speed | + | + | – |
Time-lapse screening | + | – | – |
Compatibility with standard well plates | |||
Low running costs |
DHM® provides a solution for several applications of High-Content and High-Throughput-Screening.