2010 R&D 100 Winner
Microfluidic technology enables the IonFlux HT from Fluxion Biosciences, South San Francisco, Calif., to perform ion channel screening for drug discovery research while providing an order of magnitude improvement in both throughput and cost effectiveness. The IonFlux HT is a benchtop instrument that performs pharmaceutical compound screening through electrophysiology, employing electronics to measure the ion channel currents across single cells.
The device uses microfluidic consumables to trap single cells, achieve an electrical seal to each cell membrane, and record changes in ion channel currents as a function of the compounds being tested. The InFlux plate uses a standard format well plate; the bottom is a network of microfluidic channels. The channels connect to specific wells to perform the assay steps. Pneumatic pressure is applied to wells to control flow.
The system includes a PC and software that is used to introduce reagents, record data, and analyze results.
Technology
Benchtop electrophysiology testing
Developers
Fluxion Biosciences
Development Team
The IonFlux HT Development Team from Fluxion Biosciences:
Cristian Ionescu-Zanetti
Scott Lockard
Tanner Nevill
