Maximizing cell wash performance with the AquaMax® 2000/4000 microplate washers

Many cell-based applications, including calcium flux assays, cell-based ELISAs, ion channel assays, and others require gentle but thorough washing of cells in order to ensure cell retention, cell integrity and optimal assay performance. The 96 cell wash head for AquaMax® 2000/4000 microplate washers from Molecular Devices uses angled pins to dispense fluid without disturbing cells. Adjustable dispense rate and aspiration height allow users to minimize disruption of even weakly adherent cells. We demonstrate >95% retention of weakly adherent HEK293 cells on a standard tissue culture microplate surface after washing with the AquaMax microplate washer and cell wash head. We also show excellent performance of washed CHO-M1 cells in a Fluo-4 calcium flux assay run on the FlexStation® 3 multimode microplate reader.