Celsis International plc

Sept. 29, 2006
Bioluminescence Assay Quickly Screens for Microbial Contaminants

AMPiScreen, the next generation in bioluminescence technology from Celsis International plc, leverages enzyme-catalyzed reactions to significantly reduce the time to result. AMPiScreen uses the standard ATP bioluminescence assay but precedes this with a proprietary, catalyzed reaction. By reducing the dependence on microbial growth to generate distinguishable levels of ATP, AMPiScreen 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.

AMPiScreen 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.

AMPiScreen is the most advanced technology in the field of rapid methods for industrial microbiology, according to the company. The use of a 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.

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.