German tech company BMG LABTECH has introduced the VANTAstar microplate reader, further expanding its range of high-quality instruments. VANTAstar was conceived for ease-of-use and flexibility for a wide range of applications in basic research and life sciences.

Simplified workflows 

The VANTAstar is a compact multi-mode microplate reader and is equipped with three features that enable an effortless detection setup and improve data quality: Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) technology, a rapid full-plate auto-focus and automatic luminescence cross-talk reduction.

The EDR technology grants a dynamic range spanning over 8 concentration decades in a single measurement, significantly simplifying sensitivity settings and making gain adjustments superfluous. With EDR every plate is automatically read with a setting that provides the best sensitivity with no manual intervention.

The VANTAstar incorporates a rapid, full plate auto-focus for both top and bottom reading in all plate formats up to 384 wells. Combined with EDR, this feature makes detection easier, ensuring every sample on the microplate is automatically detected with the ideal settings without any action prior to the start of measurement.

Data quality in luminescence assays is often negatively affected by signal cross-talk from neighbouring wells. The VANTAstar’s cross-talk reduction package automatically reduces non-specific signals reducing data variability, background noise and false positive signals, and thereby improving data quality.

Triple detection technology

To ensure full flexibility, the VANTAstar is equipped with BMG LABTECH`s patented dual LVF Monochromator™ system which ensures the highest wavelength flexibility and best performance in each assay, with filter detection and a UV/vis spectrometer for ultra-fast full absorbance spectra. In addition, the reader can be equipped with Atmospheric Control Unit for physiological cell-based assays and with a reagent dispenser module with up to two injectors, heater and magnetic stirrer plate.

“The VANTAstar offers great value together with the great performance you expect from a BMG LABTECH reader. It is easy to use, does not compromise on flexibility or performance, and comes at a price that makes it accessible to most labs,” said Thomas Räbiger, CEO at BMG LABTECH.

• For more information, visit:  VANTAstar

Bio-Rad Laboratories has introduced four inhibitory antibodies that are highly specific to pertuzumab (Perjeta). These ready-made antibodies inhibit the binding of the drug to its target, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), enabling researchers to develop highly selective and sensitive assays for bioanalysis and drug monitoring of pertuzumab and its biosimilars.

Pertuzumab is a targeted cancer drug that binds to the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in HER2-positive cancers, preventing cell growth and proliferation. The new range of anti-pertuzumab antibodies includes monovalent Fab format antibodies suitable for the development of a pharmacokinetic bridging ELISA to measure free drug, as well as fully human IgG1 antibodies with varying levels of affinity, which can be used as a surrogate positive control or reference standard in an anti-drug antibody assay.

Recombinant, monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies

“We’re continuously introducing new ranges of recombinant, monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to support researchers in developing robust methods that deliver reproducible and translatable results,” said Amanda Turner, Bio-Rad Product Manager, Life Science Group. “These sequence-defined reagents are well-characterized and non-animal-derived to ensure batch-to batch consistency and help reduce the use of animals in scientific research,” she said.

The antibodies are generated using the Human Combinatorial Antibody Libraries (HuCAL) and CysDisplay, a proprietary method of phage display, along with guided selection methods to obtain highly targeted reagents. The recombinant production method ensures a consistent and secure supply.

The anti-pertuzumab antibodies are approved for in vitro research purposes and for commercial services providing in vitro testing to support preclinical and clinical drug development.

• For more information, visit:  Bio-Rad – anti-pertuzumab-antibody-perjeta

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nations worldwide have vastly expanded their testing capacity by establishing huge networks of diagnostic testing facilities, including the public and private sector, and not-for-profit organizations.