Introduction
When it comes to laboratory tools, few things resonate more than the experiences of researchers who rely on them daily. At the University of Cincinnati the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader has quickly become an indispensable lab companion, due to its compact design, affordability, and intuitive interface with tailored apps for Promega assays. But what truly sets the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader apart is how it empowers scientists to focus on their research.
Take Ipsita Kundu, a third-year PhD student at the University of Cincinnati working in Dr. Tim Phoenix’s lab. The Phoenix lab, dedicated to studying innovative brain tumor therapies, faced challenges with their outdated luminescence reader. They needed an affordable, reliable solution to streamline Ipsita’s experiments without compromising accuracy or efficiency.
The MyGlo™ Reagent Reader was the answer. This blog highlights how this integrated solution is redefining laboratory workflows, enabling researchers to maximize productivity and maintain focus on groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s delve into Ipsita’s story and explore how MyGlo™ transformed her research.
A Perfect Fit for Cancer Research
In the demanding field of cancer research, every second counts. Ipsita’s work in Dr. Phoenix’s lab focuses on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer with a median survival in children of less than one year post-diagnosis (Warren, 2012). Radiation therapy remains the only FDA-approved treatment, and thus Ipsita’s research explores innovative combinations of radiation and drug therapies to uncover potential breakthroughs.
Faced with outdated lab equipment, the team needed a new solution that aligned with their demanding research requirements—and MyGlo™ fit the bill perfectly.
Revolutionizing the Workflow with MyGlo™
Ipsita’s adoption of the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader revealed three standout features that make it an indispensable tool for modern labs: portability, user-friendly design, and seamless data handling.
1. Compact and Portable Design
MyGlo™’s compact size, state of the art technology, and wireless network connection allow it to live in the cell culture hood, eliminating the need to transport plates from the cell culture room to the reader across the lab. This significantly reduced the risk of spills and contamination of her samples, a critical advantage for sensitive experiments. Because Ipsita could read her assays immediately after adding CellTiter-Glo® in the hood she greatly reduced the amount of time needed to read plates resulting in more efficient use of her time in the lab.
Additionally, the instrument and plates could remain in the hood for several days, enabling sections of the plate to be read on different days without requiring transport. This flexibility was a game-changer for multi-day experiments and studying the long-term effects of drugs.
2. Intuitive and User-Friendly Workflow
The web-based CellTiter-Glo® app simplified the process of setting up and running assays on the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader. Ipsita spoke highly of the app’s automation of the data analysis process, which provides fast calculation of key metrics like cell viability and inhibition curves. “The data comes completely analyzed—it’s so easy,” Ipsita shared. This streamlined operation gave her more time to focus on scientific discovery and less time troubleshooting data analysis.
3. Industry-Leading Assays for Reliable Results
MyGlo™ is designed to work seamlessly with Promega’s industry-leading assays, including the widely used Celltiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. This compatibility ensures researchers can trust the accuracy and reproducibility of their results. For Ipsita, this was particularly crucial. Her experiments required precise measurements of cell viability and metabolic activity to assess the efficacy of drug and radiation combinations for treating Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
This integration of proven assays with a user-friendly plate reader and web-based app not only streamlined Ipsita’s workflow but also provided confidence in the data she was producing, enabling her to focus on analyzing therapeutic outcomes. Ipsita mentioned she next plans to use the Caspase-Glo® 3/7 Assay to detect apoptosis and further understand the mechanisms of cell death.
Together, these features transformed Ipsita’s workflow, demonstrating the power of thoughtful design in simplifying complex laboratory processes.
Empowering Ipsita’s Research
The MyGlo™ Reagent Reader has had a powerful impact on Ipsita’s work with CellTiter-Glo® assays. By eliminating the inefficiencies of an outdated plate reader, Ipsita streamlined her workflow and reduced the risk of contamination.
Reflecting on her experience, Ipsita said, “I’ve never been happier with a piece of technology!”
Beyond its practical advantages, MyGlo™’s intuitive interface enabled Ipsita to analyze results in real time, saving valuable hours and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of her experiments. As she expands her research to include apoptosis assays using Caspase-Glo® 3/7, Ipsita is confident MyGlo™ will continue to support her work.
Conclusion
The MyGlo™ Reagent Reader is a 96-well reagent system that integrates instrument, assay setup, and data analysis, all while enhancing research productivity. Paired with Promega’s most well-known assays, such as the CellTiter-Glo® Cell Viability Assay, the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader provides an all-in-one solution to streamline your setup and interpretation of luminescent cell health assays.
Ipsita Kundu’s story underscores the transformative potential of the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and efficient data handling have streamlined her workflow and enabled her to focus on advancing pediatric brain cancer research.
Whether you’re conducting CellTiter-Glo® assays, exploring apoptosis with the Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assay, or tackling other applications, the MyGlo™ Reagent Reader is more than just a lab tool—it’s a partner in discovery.
Ready to see how MyGlo™ can enhance your lab’s capabilities? Learn more about its features and applications or schedule a 30-minute virtual demo to see for yourself.
Citations
Warren, K. E. (2012). Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: poised for progress. Frontiers in Oncology, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2012.00205
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