Laser Developed for Stem Cell Research

Hamilton Thorne Ltd., a developer of laser-based instruments in Beverly, Massachusetts, unveiled today its Stiletto laser system for stem cell researchers. The company says the Stiletto is designed to automate slow, manual processes of separating and removing unwanted cells, which can help researchers reduce cell selection time from hours to seconds.

According to Hamilton Thorne, the system removes unwanted cells in seconds without harming valuable colonies. The laser cleanly cuts colonies with minimal or no damage, and without burning or cauterizing.

The company says the Stiletto’s automated separation of cells in colonies creates a uniform patterns for transplanting cells more easily into additional dishes or plates in the expansion phase of stem cell growth. The system, designed for non-clinical applications, also handles cells in a non-contact manner thus eliminating contamination.

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Photo:  Nayu Kim/Flickr

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