Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces new cell harvesting system

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the introduction of its new Nunc UpCell Surface for temperature-induced cell harvesting.

Consisting of a covalently-immobilised polymer poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), the surface is designed to allow "quick dissociation of cells from the culture surface upon a simple change in temperature".

It maintains cell viability and surface receptor and antigen integrity while removing the necessity for enzymatic treatment (trypsinisation) and cell scraping, the company said.

The Nunc UpSell Surface forms an even layer on a culture dish which is slightly hydrophobic at 37 degrees Celsius, enabling cells to attach and grow, while becoming hydrophilic below 32 degrees. This will cause the surface to bind water and swell up and release the "adherent cells with their underlying extracellular matrix".

Contiguous cell sheets can then be harvested, Thermo Fisher explained.

The company produces a range of items, including laboratory furniture, software, chemicals, analytical instruments and life science research consumables, people in science sales jobs may be interested to know.