Celsis International plc

AKuScreen, the next generation in bioluminescence technology from Celsis International plc, leverages two enzyme-catalyzed reactions to significantly reduce the time to result. AKuScreen uses the standard ATP bioluminescence assay but precedes this reaction with an adenylate kinase (AK) catalyzed reaction. This preliminary reaction utilizes the presence of microbial adenylate kinase to generate adenosine triphosphate which is then further catalyzed into light by the standard ATP bioluminescence reaction. By reducing the dependence on microbial growth to generate distinguishable levels of ATP, AKuScreen is able to provide reliable results in 18-24 hours, a full 25-50% faster than the already rapid ATP Bioluminescence assay.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence is a commonly used method for the rapid microbial screening of pharmaceutical products. It is applicable to a wide range of sample types and can detect the presence of an unacceptable level of microbial contamination within 24-48 hours. The standard ATP bioluminescence assay uses the enzyme luciferase to catalyze the consumption of microbial ATP which produces light. The assay is dependent upon sufficient microbial growth containing enough ATP to generate distinguishable levels of light.

AKuScreen is intended as a rapid microbial screen for finished goods, in-process samples, and raw materials tested according to the USP Microbial Limits Test <61> or an equivalent method. A rapid screen of these products quickly identifies the few that carry bioburden, allowing for rapid and efficient release of the majority of production.

AKuScreen is the most advanced technology in the field of rapid methods for industrial microbiology, according to the company. Adenylate Kinase assay technology is exclusively licensed to Celsis by the British Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The use of a two-stage, combination reaction generates results on a wide range of products in 18-24 hours; faster and more reliably than any other method on the market today.

Features include:

• Equal to or better than the compendial method;



• High signal-to-noise ratio that delivers more distinctive positive results in cases of low level contamination;



• Non-destructive test that allows for further testing;



• Single broth used for detection of bacteria, yeast and mold;



• Validated on a wide range of microorganisms including gram positives, gram negatives, yeasts and molds;



• Protocol options to match testing requirements;



• All reagents manufactured by Celsis according to ISO 9001 standards.

UK headquarters address:

Suite 15, Lyndon House
Kings Court Newmarket, Suffolk
CB8 7SG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1638 600 151
Fax: +44 (0) 1638 600 160
Website: www.celsis.com.

Company Information

400 West Erie, Suite 300
Chicago, Ill. 60610-6910 (see map)
Phone: +1 (312) 476-1200
Fax: +1 (312) 476-1201
Website: www.celsis.com