Improving Cell-Based Drug Absorption Assays through the use of Cost-effective Automation and High-Density Permeable Support Systems

Presenters: Brad Larson, BioTek Instruments, Winooski, VT; Mark Rothenberg, Corning Incorporated, Kennebunk, ME

Cell-based drug absorption assays, using cell lines such as Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1, are an essential component of lead compound ADME/Tox testing. Current methods typically incorporate 24-well microplates and are performed manually. Yet the need to generate absorption data earlier in the drug discovery process, on an increasing number of compounds, is driving the use of higher density plates. A simple, more efficient process that incorporates 96-well Transwell® Permeable Supports and proper instrumentation in an automated process provides more reproducible data compared to manual methods. We will demonstrate the ability to perform drug permeability and transport assays using Caco-2 or MDCKII-MDR1 cells in an automated 96-well format. All steps in the process, including cell and media dispensing, media exchanges, buffer washes, and compound transfers were able to be performed in a sterile manner using instrumentation that fits easily into existing laminar flow hoods.

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