Oocyte Screening Goes Automatic

The Roboocyte2 is a fully-automated all-in-one solution for medium throughput screenings of ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels, as well as electrogenic transporters based on the well-established Xenopus oocyte expression system. All necessary tasks are accomplished by a single robot, revolutionizing pharmaceutical drug discovery with higher throughput at greatly reduced costs.

Smart, Compact, and Easy-to-Use Design

The Roboocyte2's compact design saves bench space and is compatible with standard lab equipment. Software controls replace all manual knobs, making operation straightforward without special skills or equipment. Recording is performed using disposable standard 96-well plates. The well plate carrier, powered by linear motors, hovers noise-free on pressurized air at 20 μm resolution, while the vertically moving z-arm holds the TEVC probe with computer-controlled speed and position for precise oocyte impalement.

Flexible and Intelligent Software

Oocyte impalement, compound application, TEVC recording, and online analysis are all performed automatically under computer control. Users design the experiment in advance and start a session with a single mouse click — the Roboocyte2 controls recordings for all 96 oocytes autonomously, including wash cycles, 24 hours a day. The scripting language uses JavaScript-like text files that are intuitive and powerful, requiring no programming skills. A convenient manual mode is also available for quick tests.

24h Unsupervised Operation

The Roboocyte2 can be operated overnight without supervision. Start an additional experiment at the end of the working day and analyze results the next morning. Automated, customizable recording sequences and control routines replace personal supervision, enabling maximum throughput without tying up researcher time.

For a Variety of Applications

The Roboocyte2 supports screening of a wide range of targets including GABAA receptors, hERG current, Na/K-ATPase transporters, and many more. It is designed for those familiar with the Xenopus oocyte expression system as well as researchers new to the technology, making it an accessible entry point into oocyte-based drug discovery.

Complete System Package

The Roboocyte2 package includes everything needed to start immediately: a high-performance computer with monitor, TEVC probes, tubing, the Roboflow liquid handler, the ClampAmpC high-performance amplifier specifically designed for TEVC by MCS, and all accessories. Ready-to-use TEVC probes simplify handling, and MCS recommends their ready-made measuring heads for optimal performance.

Expert Support

Multi Channel Systems provides a team of highly qualified scientists specialized in neuronal electrophysiology, cardiac electrophysiology, Xenopus oocyte research, and patch clamp. The sales team offers demonstrations, installation support, and lab visits worldwide through long-established distribution partners.

FAQ

What ion channel targets can the Roboocyte2 screen?

The Roboocyte2 is designed for medium-throughput screening of a broad range of targets using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, including ligand-gated receptors such as GABAA, voltage-gated ion channels such as hERG, and electrogenic transporters such as Na/K-ATPase. Its flexible scripting language supports custom protocols for virtually any oocyte-compatible target.

Can the Roboocyte2 be operated overnight without supervision?

Yes. The Roboocyte2 is designed for fully autonomous 24-hour operation. Users configure the experiment in advance and initiate it with a single click — the system then controls impalement, compound application, TEVC recording, wash cycles, and online analysis for all 96 oocytes without any human intervention.

What is included in the Roboocyte2 complete system package?

The Roboocyte2 ships as a ready-to-run system including a high-performance computer, TEVC probes, tubing, the Roboflow liquid handler, the ClampAmpC TEVC amplifier developed by MCS, and all required accessories. Ready-made measuring heads are available and recommended by MCS for optimal performance and ease of use.

Do I need programming experience to use the Roboocyte2 software?

No programming experience is required. The scripting language uses JavaScript-like text files that are intuitive and straightforward to write, and a convenient manual mode is also available for quick single-oocyte tests. The system is accessible to researchers new to oocyte-based screening as well as experienced users.