Cell-based assay reagent delivery using temperature-sensitive polymers

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Cell-based analysis is now the preferred method for preclinical testing of candidate drugs, as well as having use in evaluating the biological activity and safety of materials as diverse as traditional medicines, food components and medical devices. This wide utility is prompting development of assay kits that make cell-based assays available to relatively inexperienced operators and those with limited cell culture infrastructure. Delivery of reagents that generate the assay read-out is a critical step in the assay process and should, for optimal assay performance, be synchronised across multiple assay samples and performed without disturbing the cells in culture. This project tests the feasibility of realising these desirable attributes by delivering substrate through release from thermosensitive polymer-based capsules using small, short-term temperature manipulation of the cultures. The technology developed will be applied in a novel panel of cell-based assay kits.