nanoTherics, a scientific medical research devices company based in the UK, has announced the launch of the magnefect-LT. This new, lower cost device offers gene transfection with improved efficiencies and cell viabilities, even with difficult cells types including neuronal and primary cells. The system uses a unique technology applying proprietary magnet configurations and oscillating magnet arrays operating at fixed frequency that promotes magnetic nano particle/DNA uptake into cells to improve non-viral gene transfection, whilst maintaining high levels of cell viability. The system is simple to operate, has low running costs (as low as $0.1 per transfection) and provides improved transfection efficiency and effectiveness over the best currently available cationic lipid agents at short transfection times (<30 minutes). It has been launched as a lower cost option to complement the magnefect-nano, which the Company introduced in 2009 and which offers additional flexibility with interchangeable array format and variable oscillating frequency capability to enable further user optimisation.
nanoTherics’s primary business is supply of scientific devices and associated products which offer efficiency improvements to research laboratories in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as academia. The Company’s products follow from >30 years combined cutting edge research into magnetic nanoparticle use conducted at Keele University and University of Florida and apply a patent-pending technology using nanoparticles and magnetic fields to facilitate enhanced delivery of biomolecules, such as DNA, into living cells. The medium to long-term opportunity for this approach relates to more effective non-viral gene therapy, an area demanding safer technology to treat genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Dr Linda Cammish, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are delighted to be adding to our product portfolio with the launch of the magnefect-LT to enable our customers to improve transfection efficiencies with even the most hard to transfect cells such as neuronal and primary cells”. She added, “The system provides a low cost alternative for those users who are more budget constrained but still require the benefits that oscillating magnet assisted transfection can offer such as the high transfection efficiencies and cell viabilities, short transfection times and low running costs. For customers requiring the added flexibility in array format and protocol optimisation we will continue to offer the magnefect-nano and we are committed to further product development to meet our customers needs and aim to introduce a range of additional products throughout 2011.”
