The Gel Microdrop (GMD) Growth Assay rapidly quantifies the effects of compounds such as antibiotics, cytotoxic agents, and growth factors on individual cell growth. Populations can be analyzed by flow cytometry to identify sub-populations of interest, such as those that are drug resistant.

  
 

The GMD Growth Assay Involves Three Easy Steps
1
 Encapsulate cells in CelBiogel™ Encapsulation Matrix using the CellSys 100™ Microdrop Maker.
2
 Culture the encapsulated cells in the presence of the compound of interest.
3
 Fluorescently label the cells in order to analyze flow cytometry.

 
 
 
 
Individual cells are initially encapsulated in CelGel™ Encapsulation Matrix. The resulting GMDs function as miniature Petri dishes. Subsequent cell growth and fluorescent labeling permit clonogenic growth to be quantified using flow cytometry.
  
 



 
  Cells divide normally within GMDs. After staining with a specific marker, GMD fluorescence increases as cell number increases . GMDs containing clonogenic microcolonies can be analyzed or sorted based on the amount of cell growth.  
 


 
 

Advantages of the GMD Growth Assay
1
 Easily discriminate between rapidly and slowly growing cells.
2
 Assay the effects of drugs at the individual cell level.
3
 Dramatically reduce assay time.
4
 Recover antibiotic resistant organisms.
5
 Automate drug discovery processes using flow cytometry.
6
 Sort and recover cells of interest to develop cell lines or to identify genes of interest.

 
  The CellSys 100™ Microdrop Maker, CelMix™ and CelGel™ Encapsulation reagents are available for purchase. Alternatively, we can screen your cells on a fee-for-service basis. Please contact us for details regarding either of these arrangements.  
       
 

Growth Assay Forms And Additional Information (click on the PDF to view)
Growth Assay Products & Services
Screening Service Gel Microdrop Growth Assay
Growth Assay Commercial Lease Form
Growth Assay Research Lease Form
Growth Assay Non Profit Lease Form