19 October 2021 - - US-based life science company PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI) and US-based Honeycomb Biotechnologies, Inc., have launched the first of its kind HIVE scRNAseq Solution for single-cell isolation and analysis, the companies said.

The HIVE solution leverages a portable, handheld device for the capture, storage and RNA-Seq library preparation of a diverse range of cell types, including fragile and labile cells such as granulocytes, nephrons, hepatocytes and neurons.

The HIVE solution requires no specialized instrumentation to use and expands opportunities for laboratories pursuing basic, translational, clinical and preclinical research.

Biological resolution at the level of individual cells is powering the next phase of precision health.

By integrating sample capture and preservation into a single-use device, the HIVE solution makes it possible to collect samples from multiple sites and maintain sample integrity during storage, shipping and processing from a central testing lab.

This provides unparalleled workflow efficiency and sample processing consistency through centralized analysis, which is of particular importance for multi-center studies.

By preserving the sample at time of collection, the HIVE solution maintains the full diversity of cells in a sample.

Microfluidic-based platforms and other preservation methods can be harsh, yielding incomplete data due to the loss of delicate cells.

Using the HIVE platform, cells are gently loaded by gravity in volumes up to 4 mL, enabling capture of fragile cell types and processing of sparse samples such as fine needle aspirates, cytobrushes, and flow-sorted cells.

With potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics development, the HIVE platform simplifies single-cell profiling and empowers labs to better understand health and disease at the single-cell level.

PerkinElmer produces analytical instruments, genetic testing and diagnostic tools, medical imaging components, software, instruments, and consumables for multiple end markets. PerkinElmer is part of the S&P 500 Index and operates in 150 countries.

Honeycomb Biotechnologies develops technology to remove barriers and expand opportunities for single-cell analysis in basic, translational, pre-clinical, and clinical research throughout the world.

Founded by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Broad Institute, Honeycomb is based in Waltham, MA, USA.