OptiCell offers a number of benefits to alleviate the shortcomings of current cell culture tools. Optically clear, the growth surfaces allow visual access to living cells and processes with any kind of microscope and standard or specialized optics. Each culture cell can be split apart and cut into pieces for multiple assays, using the OptiCell sectioning knife. The system supports in-flask magnetic sorting, contains self-sealing ports for aseptic use outside of the hood, and includes bar coding for tracking. Finally, the cells can be stored in a space-saving rack storage system.
Scientists who are accustomed to working with culture dishes and flasks may be skeptical as to how well their cells will survive and grow in OptiCell. Considering its radical departure from traditional labware design, however, OptiCell vice president Steve Hoenig says, "In a way, there's nothing new about OptiCell. The frame and growth surfaces are made of biologically inert ...
