A sensitive, rapid assay using Drosophila embryos enables high-throughput testing of suspected toxins and potential bioactive compounds.

A Simple, Versatile Technique
The assay is based on a new non-toxic, aqueous solvent that dissolves the waxy layer of Drosophila embryo shells. Used with a surfactant that dissolves the shell’s vitelline membrane, the solvent allows a suspected toxic agent or bioactive compound to penetrate the shell and contact developing embryonic cells. The course of embryo development is then examined for evidence of toxin-related damage.

The assay can also test a combination of agents. For example, a known toxin can be delivered to the embryo along with a potentially protective substance. If no developmental defect is observed, a protective effect may exist.

The photo below shows penetration of an embryo shell with a fluorescent nuclear stain that labels live cells.

High-Throughput Animal Testing
This technique offers numerous advantages over traditional Drosophila embryo methods and other animal models.

The use of Drosophila for toxicology averts ethical concerns and the high costs of mammalian models such as mice and rats.

The aqueous solvent eliminates damage and increases survivorship over prior methods utilizing toxic organic solvents to permeabilize the embryo shell.

Solvent application can be used in an incubation device that processes over 1,000 embryos at once, far exceeding current microinjection methods. High-throughput multiwell applications can be executed with automated sample handling and fluorescence detection equipment..

Commercialization
The technology could be licensed to contract research organizations that test compounds such as pharmaceuticals and environmental contaminants. In addition, assay kits may be sold to academic research laboratories.

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Web site: http://www.uvminnovations.com/rdtools.html