Advancing Mitochondrial Disorder Research Using Electronic Pipettes

Researchers at the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research (WCMR), based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University, have adopted Integra Biosciences' VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette to advance their investigations into mitochondrial diseases. This interdisciplinary research team employs this cutting-edge equipment to optimise multiple phases of their high-throughput screening assays. Their aim is to pinpoint potential drug candidates capable of restoring mitochondrial function, thus enhancing the quality of life for individuals afflicted by mitochondrial conditions.

Adam Creigh, a researcher at the WCMR, explained: “Our team is focused on finding treatments by screening large compound libraries, and testing them on patient cell lines with a range of different mutations. Having versatile and reliable equipment like the VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipettes is a gamechanger, as we can be focused on testing entirely different compounds from one day to the next. The VOYAGER’s programmable aspiration speeds offer more control than can be achieved manually, meaning that delicate cell lines can be efficiently handled with care. Setting it to a slow and gentle aspiration ensures that cells are not disturbed during the process, providing a level of precision that is essential. Furthermore, the tip spacing can be changed at the push of a button to accommodate different types of plates and wells, and this flexibility is invaluable when we are working with various assays and sample formats.”

Adam continued: “The convenience and efficacy that the VOYAGER brings to our workflows is remarkable. It's in constant demand throughout the center, and the efficiency of our workflows has been enhanced thanks to the reproducibility it offers. It has become an indispensable tool for our mitochondrial disease research and, looking ahead, we hope to get more INTEGRA pipettes to expand our high throughput screening capabilities as part of our mission to find treatments for people affected by mitochondrial dysfunction.”

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