Flow cytometry is becoming an increasingly popular tool for high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for identifying potential new drugs or biologics. Most users are acquainted with flow cytometers that use individual tubes for sample collection, but flow cytometers can be equipped with HTS attachments for automated sample collection for multi-well plates. Check out these benefits of using flow cytometry for HTS assays.

1. Sample libraries can be screened rapidly.

You may be screening a novel drug library for cytotoxic effects, or you may be evaluating a large panel of biologics for their ability to block expression of a cell marker. All of these HTS applications can be done by flow cytometry and can provide data that helps narrow down your list of lead compounds or guides the direction of drug development.

2. Many different cell types can be screened.

Biologics, like therapeutic antibodies, are such powerful compounds because of their ability to specifically bind to molecules on cells, but not all cells are created equal. HTS assays that screen binding or activation can be used to evaluate biologics or drugs against a panel of primary cells or cell lines.

3. HTS flow cytometry as a diagnostic.

HTS assays are being developed and validated as diagnostic screens and are considered a faster and more cost-effective alternative to older generation immunoassays. Mulitplex bead assays, which can designed to bind to specific molecules like cytokines, interleukins or viral antigens, can be used to screen multiple analytes in a single well and have a broad dynamic range. These HTS assays have also been adapted for cell-based diagnostics like CD4+ T cell immunophenotyping.

Flow cytometry-based HTS assays are more widely accepted in both the drug discovery and diagnostics fields. Consider how developing an HTS assay can help accelerate your next research project.