CN Bio, a leading developer of single and multi-organ microphysiological systems (MPS), otherwise known as organ-on-a-chip (OOC), has launched its new PhysioMimix™ OOC Multi-Organ MPS. The next-generation platform combines CN Bio’s in vitro 3D liver model, whose phenotype and functions mimic that in vivo, with a range of other organs to more accurately recapitulate the multi-organ and systemic effects observed in humans.

Demonstrating a key milestone in the Company’s mission to develop the most complete human ‘body-on-a-chip’ in the laboratory, the PhysioMimix OOC Multi-Organ MPS will provide advanced insights into the potential effects of novel therapeutics that were previously only achievable using animal models.

CN Bio’s Multi-Organ MPS enables researchers to generate sophisticated in vitro models that better represent human inter-organ crosstalk effects compared to single-organ MPS, or animal models. This system can be used to decrease the risk of clinical trial failures due to cross-species translational differences and can be used in the development of new human-specific modalities for which animal models are unsuited.

The Company’s advanced 3D liver model can be reliably and easily interconnected with other organs (such as gut, lung or kidney) to provide a human in vitro alternative to animal or in silico first pass metabolism studies (ADME), to elicit a deeper human-specific mechanistic understanding of disease states and to identify reactive metabolite-driven toxicity or multi-organ toxicity. Furthermore, in vitro to in vivo clinical predictions can be extrapolated using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetics (PBPK) mathematical models, to increase the accuracy and precision of data translation. For existing PhysioMimix users, an upgrade path is available.

Prior to launch, the system has undergone extensive internal and external validation by the University of Pittsburgh, and by a major pharmaceutical company.

Inherent biological differences

“The inherent biological differences of animal models with human physiology frequently result in the misrepresentation of pharmacological processes, contributing to the large proportion of new medicines that fail in clinical trials. Furthermore, in certain scenarios, animal models are unsuitable for efficacy and safety evaluation due to their genetic and immunological differences,” said Dr David Hughes, CEO, CN Bio.

“Our new multi-organ platform addresses the needs of a wider customer base, whilst providing the same ease-of-use, robustness, and reliability as the single-organ system which has been on the market since 2018. This launch extends CN Bio’s reach from world-leading provider of single-organ-on-a-chip technologies into multi-organ-on-a-chip, as we strive to expand the boundaries of humanized pre-clinical research and development.”

Professor Alan Wells, Professor of Pathology, Integrative Systems Biology Department, University of Pittsburgh, said: “The pathobiology of disease, even if limited to one organ, does not occur in isolation to the rest of the body. To understand how other events affect the pathology in question requires their constant communication. We are finding these networks key to tumour progression in metastatic sites, to address the Achilles heel of cancer therapy.”

• For future details on the PhysioMimix OOC range, now comprising the PhysioMimix Single-Organ and PhysioMimix Multi-Organ Systems, visit: https://cn-bio.com/physiomimixooc/

 

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded its Thermo Scientific General Purpose Pro Centrifuge Series with the addition of two new models designed to meet the needs of biopharmaceutical, cell and gene therapy, and academic research laboratories, as well as clinical diagnostic facilities, for enhanced sample safety and reproducibility, improved ergonomics and reduced noise levels.

The new 1.6 L benchtop and 4 L floor-standing systems complete the General Purpose Pro Centrifuge Series, completing a comprehensive family of products to address varying sample capacity and laboratory space requirements. Like the other systems in the series, the new models feature a unique full colour, glass touchscreen display that facilitates a simple user interface for immediate, effortless workflow and operation monitoring, as well as easy cleaning.

A new high-speed rotor complements the 4 L models providing the ability to run both microplates and tubes. Built with versatility in mind, the complete General Purpose Pro Centrifuge Series offers 24 different rotor options in total — including 11 swinging bucket and 13 fixed angle rotors — which can be used interchangeably to align with various application needs, from cell culture procedures and microplate processing to cell and gene therapy manufacturing and clinical protocols. The systems’ ergonomically enhanced, novel industrial design enables the quick and safe change of any of the 24 rotor types in just three seconds through the Auto-Lock Rotor Exchange function.

The General Purpose Pro Centrifuge Series includes the Thermo Scientific Sorvall, Thermo Scientific Multifuge and Thermo Scientific Megafuge systems, all of which meet the latest global IVD standards and medical regulations. Superior sample capacity and performance are enabled through the systems’ Fiberlite Carbon Fiber Rotors, while the certified ClickSeal Biocontainment Lids ensure personnel and laboratory environment safety and security.

• For more information, visit: Thermo Scientific General Purpose Pro Centrifuge Series

Porvair Sciences has launched new kits for rapid extraction of total RNA from a wide range of biological samples. These proprietary kits enable extraction of up to 1000 µg of application-ready pure RNA in as little as 10 minutes.

Extraction and purification of  RNA is required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications such as RT-PCR, qPCR, Western blotting and RNA amplification. The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge increase in the demand for testing and detection of viral nucleic acids. The first step in this process, no matter what research or testing method is to be used, is to extract the RNA from any sample with a potential viral contamination.

The new affordable and easy-to-use Chromatrap RNA Extraction kit from Porvair Sciences all follow the simple procedure of  sample lysis, RNA capture, washing, and finally elution of purified RNA.

Leveraging a uniquely designed spin column and proprietary buffer chemistry, the Chromatrap RNA Extraction kit is the complete solution for isolation and purification of RNA. Providing the perfect high recovery of top-quality salt and contaminant-free RNA.

Porvair’s extraction kits employ a reliable protocol to isolate superior quality RNA from a wide range of samples sources. These kits benefit from high volume binding capacity which ensures RNA is efficiently lysed, captured and eluted.

The Chromatrap RNA Extraction kit is quick and easy to use, ensuring high recovery of high purity RNA during the first steps of fundamental molecular biology applications. Using a Chromatrap RNA extraction kit – scientists are now able to process up to 107 cultured animal cells, 50 mg animal tissue, 0.5 ml blood, 250 mg plant material, 5 x 107 yeasts or 5 x 108 bacteria in a single go.

• For more information, visit: chromatrap.com/chromatrap-rna-extraction-kit/