Innovative Solutions

The bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test is a screening test used to help identify chemicals that affect the structure of DNA. It is based on the mutation rate of Salmonella bacteria that are exposed to the tested compound. The test is compliant with the OECD regulatory system for mutagenicity tests (guideline 471, 1997), and is integral part of early drug safety assessment systems.

MetaSystems, the leading manufacturer of professional image analysis systems for toxicology and mutagenicity research, and Xenometrix (www.xenometrix.ch), producer and distributor of today's most advanced Ames mutagenicity assays (microfluctuation assays) and cytotoxicity screening kits, decided to co-market their products, aiming to full automation of the Ames II / Ames MPF mutagenicity assay.

The Ames MPF and Ames II assays from Xenometrix are modified versions of the Ames test using liquid culture instead of agar plates. The assays use 384-well microtiter plates and have a colorimetric read-out. The great advantage of this format is the lower amount of samples needed and much easier handling. In addition, cytotoxic effects of a test compound are already detectable after 90 minutes exposure (instead of 48 hours) and can be re-tested immediately with the same cell culture.
The automated slide scanning platform Metafer of MetaSystems is widely used for automated analysis of toxicology test samples. It provides the possibility to automate analysis of various tests commonly used in genetic toxicology and radiation research. This includes the chromosomal aberration test, the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay, the rodent erythrocyte micronucleus assay, and the Comet assay.

“The automated analysis of the Ames II / Ames MPF test based on Xenometrix’ 384-well microtiter plates adds additional value to the versatile, Metafer-based analysis system for genetic toxicology”, MetaSystems officials said. “It is now possible to automate and archive analysis of the most important pre-clinical tests on one hardware platform with full GLP compliancy.”