Spectral flow cytometry continues to transform single-cell research – and now, for the first time, laboratories in Australia and New Zealand can experience the Agilent NovoCyte Opteon first hand.

Launched globally at CYTO 2024, the NovoCyte Opteon has already earned international recognition, taking home the Select Science Scientist’s Choice Award for “Best New Drug Discovery & Development Product of 2024.” With up to five lasers, 73 detectors, and cutting-edge optical engineering, this system represents the next generation of high-dimensional cytometry – and it’s now available for demo in ANZ.

Unlike conventional cytometry, the NovoCyte Opteon captures the full emission spectra of each fluorochrome across all lasers. This approach allows for greater panel flexibility, more accurate unmixing, and cleaner resolution of overlapping signals – ideal for complex immunophenotyping studies.

Traditional flow cytometry detects fluorescence using individual optical filters for each fluorochrome, limiting panel size and often causing signal overlap.
Spectral flow cytometry – like the Agilent NovoCyte Opteon – captures the entire emission spectrum from every fluorochrome across all lasers.
This enables:

• Greater panel flexibility with more markers in a single run

• Improved accuracy through spectral unmixing of overlapping signals

• Cleaner data by accounting for autofluorescence as a separate spectral component

The result is a more powerful, precise, and reproducible analysis – ideal for complex immunophenotyping and high-dimensional research.

Researchers can choose 3-, 4-, or 5-laser configurations, with the flagship system spanning UV, Violet, Blue, Yellow/Green, and Red lasers – and up to 73 detectors. Agilent’s proprietary optics and electronics maximise sensitivity and spectral separation, ensuring high-quality data.

It boasts a wide dynamic range both for fluorescence and scatter (size) detection, reducing the need for frequent detector adjustments.

Dual-laser small particle detection (using 405 nm and 488 nm SSC) enables detection of particles down to ~80 nm without needing separate adjustments between cell and particle modes.

Also, the instrument supports autofluorescence subtraction (i.e. treating autofluorescence as a spectral component), which helps resolve dim populations more clearly.

To maintain performance in variable lab environments, the NovoCyte Opteon integrates on-board temperature control, fluidics monitoring, electronics sensor circuits, and real-time instrument status feedback.

It’s compatible with the NovoSampler S, accepting 40-tube racks and microplates (384/96/48/24), and is ready for robotic automation. Calibration is automated, with templates for labware types saved for reproducibility. Carryover is minimal (< 0.1 %) via rinse cycles.

Agilent’s NovoExpress (Opteon) software version 2.0+ underpins the acquisition, unmixing, analysis, and reporting workflow. They’ve enhanced the user interface with an “unmixing” tab, streamlining spectral unmixing steps. The software supports both real-time acquisition and downstream “offline” analyses.

The arrival of the Agilent NovoCyte Opteon in the ANZ region marks a real milestone for spectral flow cytometry. Local researchers now have access to one of the most advanced, award-winning platforms available – combining powerful optics, automation readiness, and Agilent’s renowned reliability, all supported locally by Millennium Science.

If you’re interested in demoing the award-winning NovoCyte Opteon Spectral Flow Cytometer, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to arrange a hands-on session and see what spectral flow can really do for your research.

And if you’re attending CYTO-Connect (Perth, November 27-29, 2025), come and say hello – we’ll be there showcasing the Opteon and chatting all things spectral!

If you’re interested in a demo of the Opteon, contact us today!

Until next time… happy experimenting!

Spatial biology is transforming the way we understand biological systems. By integrating spatial information into research, it provides a holistic view of how cells and molecules interact within their native environment. This approach sheds light on the complex interplay between cellular and molecular components, offering deeper insights into the function and behaviour of living organisms.

To achieve reliable and reproducible results in spatial biology, careful antibody selection is essential. Here are some key considerations:

Secondary antibody selection begins with species. The host of your secondary must differ from both the tissue species and the host of the primary antibody. For example, when using a rabbit primary antibody on human tissue, a goat anti-rabbit secondary is preferred. This reduces background interference and ensures the signal reflects true binding rather than cross-reactivity..

Not all primary antibodies are the same. Polyclonal IgGs require anti-IgG secondaries, while monoclonal IgMs need anti-IgM secondaries. For monoclonal IgG subclasses (such as IgG1), it is best practice to use subclass-specific secondaries (anti-IgG1) for maximum accuracy. This level of matching safeguards against nonspecific binding and strengthens reproducibility.

Affinity purification ensures secondaries recognise their targets with high specificity. By removing unwanted immunoglobulins, affinity-purified antibodies deliver clearer signals and consistent results – especially when detecting low-abundance proteins. The result: less noise, less background, and greater confidence in your data.

Spatial biology thrives on multiplexing, but multiple species and fluorophores introduce complexity. Cross-adsorbed antibodies are refined to remove cross-reactive components, lowering background and minimising false positives. This makes them ideal for multi-label experiments where precision is paramount.

Signal clarity depends on the brightness and stability of your fluorophores. Rockland offers a wide range of conjugates, including DyLight™, Cy™, and FITC dyes. These high-performance labels are particularly powerful for detecting low-expression targets, ensuring that no signal is missed in complex tissue environments.

LICORbio’s new Atlas™ Imager is redefining cell imaging for life science researchers across Australia and New Zealand. Built for both 2D and 3D assays, Atlas combines speed, scale, and clarity in a single, easy-to-use platform – empowering scientists to accelerate discoveries in drug development, translational research, and beyond.

Unlike traditional systems that require manual stitching or time-consuming illumination corrections, Atlas is engineered to deliver whole-plate imaging in less than one minute. Its patented line-scanning optical system minimises background fluorescence, boosts sensitivity, and enhances multiplexing capabilities – critical for high-throughput screening and complex cell-based assays.

• High throughput – Acquire entire well plates rapidly or zoom into single wells with up to 5µm resolution.
• Broad applications – Capture cell viability, luminescence, and multiplex fluorescence data in one instrument.
• Deep 3D imaging – Confidently image spheroids, organoids, organ-on-a-chip models, and other microphysiological systems.
• Ease of use – Streamlined workflows reduce manual steps and consolidate multiple instruments into one solution.
• Cost-effective – Higher-content imaging without the high price tag of competitive systems.

From monitoring cell culture to high-resolution plate and well scanning, Atlas provides reliable, reproducible, and quantitative results with minimal hands-on time. With over 30 imaging channels spanning UV to near-infrared, researchers gain unmatched flexibility for diverse applications – from drug screening to advanced tissue modelling.

By eliminating inefficiencies and post-processing steps, Atlas lets you focus on what matters most: generating insights that move science forward.

• Whole-plate scans in under one minute
• Z-stack multiplex fluorescence for 3D studies
• Built-in luminescent imager
• Over 30 imaging channels with six lasers plus RGB LED
• End-to-end solution for cell-based assays

Whether you’re developing new therapeutics, studying disease models, or advancing organoid research, Atlas is the balanced solution for speed, sensitivity, and scalability in cell imaging.

As the leading cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease impacts over 50 million people worldwide. In Australia, dementia has recently overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death, particularly among women. While current treatments focus on symptoms, new research aims to target the underlying disease from clearing amyloid-β, inhibiting tau aggregation, and modulating neuroinflammation to understanding the gut-brain axis and early metabolic changes in AD.

Hot Product

StressMarq’s high-quality tau, amyloid-β, and alpha-synuclein proteins support research into the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease. Contact us for details.

Emerging studies show gut health influences cognitive function, with a balanced microbiome and Mediterranean diet potentially lowering dementia risk. Using Norgen Biotek’s Stool Nucleic Acid Collection and Preservation Systems, researchers are uncovering novel approaches to tackle cognitive decline.

Connect with Narisa Dawar to learn more about Norgen Biotek.

Lab Favourite

Silence Alzheimer’s-related genes with siRNA.
Targeting tau reveals its role in microtubule stability and neurofibrillary tangles. Check out Revvity’s Dharmacon™ siRNA solutions.

This library of 2,960 compounds targets amyloid-β, dopamine receptors, COMT, LRRK2, 5-HT receptors, and more! Perfect for high-throughput, high-content screening of neurodegenerative mechanisms and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MND.

Curious about MCE’s compound libraries? Christine Goy is just an email away!

Understanding early metabolic changes in Alzheimer’s disease may identify new therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. Metabolomics can detect these subtle biological shifts before clinical symptoms appear, supporting the development of early interventions and treatments that may improve outcomes for people with AD.

As we step into the new year, Millennium Science is excited to partner with you in advancing your research! Whether you’re embarking on groundbreaking projects or tackling routine experiments, our exclusive selection of ACROBiosystems reagents for infectious disease research is designed to support every stage of your work. With special offers on premium products, we are committed to providing you with the tools needed to achieve precise, reliable results in virology and immunology studies.

ACROBiosystems is a trusted global leader in the development of high-quality recombinant proteins, antigens, antibodies, and assay kits for infectious disease research. Their reagents are widely used in vaccine development, antibody screening, diagnostic assay development, and therapeutic drug discovery. With a comprehensive portfolio spanning immunology, oncology, and virology, ACROBiosystems ensures reproducibility and accuracy in scientific experiments.

Key Benefits of ACROBiosystems Reagents:

• High Purity & Bioactivity – Ensuring reliable and consistent experimental results.
• Extensive Product Portfolio – Covering a wide range of infectious disease targets, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, HPV, and more.
• Custom Solutions Available – Tailored reagents to meet specific research needs.
• Validated for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications – Trusted by leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Millennium Science is a proud distributor of ACROBiosystems, offering exclusive access to their latest products and technical expertise.

Infectious diseases, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, continue to pose significant global health risks. These diseases can spread through direct human contact, contaminated water, airborne transmission, and insect vectors. Some of the most pressing infectious diseases include:

• Respiratory Viruses – Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2
• Zoonotic Diseases – Rabies, Hendra virus, Nipah virus
• Oncogenic Viruses – Human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• Tropical & Vector-Borne Diseases – Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya

With the ongoing threat of pandemics and emerging viral infections, researchers worldwide are focused on vaccine development, antiviral drug discovery, and improved diagnostic methods.

Since late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of robust virology research and vaccine development. Historically, diseases like smallpox, the plague, and the Spanish flu have had profound impacts on human society. Today, viruses such as influenza, rabies, RSV, and HPV continue to threaten global health.

To combat these challenges, scientists rely on high-quality recombinant proteins, neutralising antibodies, and assay development tools to accelerate vaccine research and therapeutic discoveries.

At Millennium Science, we are dedicated to supporting virologists, immunologists, and infectious disease researchers with cutting-edge reagents that drive progress. Our partnership with ACROBiosystems enables us to provide:

• Top-tier reagents for virus research, vaccine development, and drug discovery.
• Access to the latest recombinant proteins and antigens.
• Ongoing technical support and consultation for product selection and protocol optimisation.

Click below to search our extensive catalogue of ACROBiosystems reagents for your infectious disease research, and discover how Millennium Science can support your next breakthrough!

When it comes to multiplex protein analysis, researchers need accuracy, speed, and simplicity. Traditional flow-based systems have long been the standard, but they bring challenges: sheath fluids, blocked probes, and constant maintenance. Enter the Mabtech EYRA™ – a fluidics-free multiplex immunoassay platform that reimagines how scientists generate cytokine and biomarker data. With confocal imaging, RAWsphere analysis, and compatibility with EYRAplex bead kits, EYRA makes multiplexing faster, simpler, and more reliable.

With EYRAplex magnetic bead assays, EYRA can quantify more than 30 analytes from a single sample – whether that’s serum, plasma, or cell culture supernatant. This means less sample consumption, fewer runs, and richer datasets for every experiment.

At the core of EYRA’s precision is the RAWsphere image analysis algorithm. It identifies each bead, links it to the correct analyte, and quantifies the PE signal with high resolution. Whether you’re measuring six cytokines or a full 30+ panel, RAWsphere ensures your multiplex data is accurate and reproducible.

EYRA is built around a completely flow-free design. No sheath fluid, priming, waste handling or blocked probes.

Instead of pushing samples through fluidics, EYRA uses confocal microscopy to image settled magnetic beads directly in the wells of a 96-well plate. Each bead carries a unique fluorescent dye signature for identification, while analyte-bound PE-labelled antibodies provide the quantitative signal.

The result? You insert your plate, select your assay in the intuitive Mabtech Opal™ software, and hit read. Fifteen minutes later, you have fully processed data – with your samples never leaving the wells.

Opal™ software comes preloaded with templates for every EYRAplex kit. Standards, plate layouts, and gating are handled automatically – so you spend less time setting up and more time on results.

Once the plate read is complete, results are exported directly into Excel, with options for bulk export if you’re working on large studies or multiple plates. No manual reformatting. No data wrangling headaches.

Because EYRA is fluidics-free, there’s no daily calibration or cleaning. No flushing, no wasted consumables, and no time lost to instrument downtime. It’s genuinely a plug-and-play experience – switch it on, run your plate, and walk away with your data.

The Mabtech EYRA isn’t just another multiplex platform – it’s multiplexing reimagined. By removing fluidics and harnessing high-resolution confocal imaging, EYRA delivers:

• High-plex capacity: 30+ analytes per well
• Fast turnaround: ~15 minutes per plate
• No maintenance: no daily cleaning or calibration
• Accurate, reproducible results: powered by RAWsphere analysis

For labs looking to streamline their workflow without sacrificing data quality, EYRA offers a fresh, frustration-free alternative to traditional flow-based systems.

Until next time… happy experimenting!

Joe Roberts, PhD
Product Manager
Millennium Science

The Agilent BioTek LogPhase™ 600 Microbiology Reader is a high-performance solution for labs studying microbial growth and metabolism. Purpose-built to support real-time, kinetic analysis of bacteria and yeast cultures, the LogPhase 600 enables the simultaneous monitoring of microbial growth curves across up to four standard 96-well microplates – boosting throughput and consistency for microbiology applications.

Designed specifically for microbial assays, the LogPhase 600 features robust shaking and sensor-driven temperature control, which are essential for optimal bacterial and yeast cell growth. The integrated orbital shaking mechanism keeps microbial cultures in suspension, promoting uniform growth across all wells.

Advanced temperature regulation ensures uniform heating throughout the instrument, eliminating edge effects and minimising evaporation. A carefully engineered top-to-bottom temperature gradient prevents condensation on sealed plates – reducing light scatter and ensuring accurate optical density (OD) measurements.

Whether you’re performing bacterial growth curve analysis or extended kinetic microbial studies, the LogPhase 600 provides reproducible results across replicates. Its stable environment makes it ideal for long-term microbial monitoring, delivering high-quality data for even the most demanding experimental conditions.

The LogPhase 600 is controlled via a user-friendly app that simplifies data acquisition and analysis across multiple microplates. Designed with microbiologists in mind, the software allows users to:

• Start using the instrument with minimal training

• View multiplate data simultaneously

• Automatically calculate key growth parameters like Lag time, Maximum growth rate (OD/min) and Time to stationary phase

This makes it easy to integrate the instrument into both academic and industrial lab workflows.

With its four-plate capacity, the LogPhase 600 delivers higher throughput than single-plate readers – ideal for labs running large-scale experiments. Common research areas include:

• Bacterial and yeast growth assays

• Algal growth studies

• Antimicrobial resistance research

• Biofuel production monitoring

• Food and beverage microbiology testing

For researchers seeking a dedicated microbiology plate reader that delivers accuracy, scalability, and ease of use, the LogPhase 600 offers an unmatched combination of throughput, data quality, and application-specific performance. Whether you’re monitoring bacterial growth under various conditions or conducting resistance assays, the LogPhase 600 ensures your data is consistent and actionable.

If you have a question or would like pricing for a LogPhase 600 simply email customerservice@mscience.com.au.

Norgen Biotek’s Magnetic Bead-Based Total RNA Purification Kit is now fully automated, making high-throughput RNA extraction faster, more reliable, and easier to scale.

Designed to isolate all RNA sizes – including microRNA and small RNA – with exceptional purity and reproducibility, this kit delivers consistent performance across a wide range of sample types. Whether you’re working with tissues, cells, bacteria, viruses, bodily fluids, plants or fungi, Norgen Biotek’s advanced RNA purification technology ensures high-yield results without compromising quality.

Manual RNA extraction can be labour-intensive and prone to variability. Norgen Biotek’s magnetic bead-based kit streamlines the process, reducing hands-on time to just 15 minutes, while enhancing consistency across runs.

This kit is fully compatible with leading lab automation platforms, including:

• Opentrons Flex – a modular and cost-effective automation system designed to scale with your lab.

• Tecan

• Thermo Fisher KingFisher

• Hamilton

• IsoPure

Seamless integration allows labs to boost throughput, minimise human error, and free up valuable time for high-value analysis and discovery.

✅ Compatible with a broad range of sample types
✅ High-quality RNA including microRNA and small RNA
✅ Automation-ready for reliable scalability
✅ Reduced hands-on time and increased reproducibility

Explore how Norgen Biotek and Opentrons can modernise your lab’s RNA extraction today or contact Narisa Dawar our Norgen Biotek Product Manager – ndawar@mscience.com.au.

MedChemExpress (MCE) is a supplier of high-quality chemicals, biochemicals and compound libraries, supporting the global scientific research community. MCE’s extensive product portfolio includes a range of screening libraries designed to accelerate drug discovery and development across multiple therapeutic areas. Among these, the Anti-Cancer Compound Library is a powerful tool for researchers seeking targeted solutions and novel cancer therapies.

The library offers over 8,000 compounds with activity against both solid and haematologic tumours, making it suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS) and high-content screening (HCS).

This collection spans key cancer-related pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and signal transduction. It also covers diverse signalling pathways – including kinase, GPCR and epigenetics – providing researchers with a comprehensive platform to explore and identify potential anti-cancer agents.

Many of the compounds have undergone rigorous clinical or preclinical evaluations, with some already approved by the FDA, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

The bioactivity and safety profiles of the compounds make the library a useful resource for advancing cancer research. Each compound is also validated for high purity and quality using NMR and LC/MS techniques, which should lead to precise and reproducible results.

A key advantage of MCE’s compound libraries is that users can fully customise a library to meet research needs from the type, quantity and concentrations of compounds and layout, offering the flexibility that researchers need to drive meaningful discoveries in oncology.

Click here to download the MedChemExpress Compounding Libraries brochure or contact Millennium Science at customerservice@mscience.com.au.

The LICORbio Odyssey F Imaging System delivers high sensitivity and broad dynamic range with just a click. Available in 3- and 10-channel models, this advanced platform scans samples up to twice as fast as previous generations, supporting a wide array of applications beyond standard qualitative Western blotting. Whether you’re imaging proteins, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules, the Odyssey F accelerates your workflow without compromising data quality.

Equipped with dual near-infrared (NIR) lasers, the Odyssey F ensures optimal throughput and quantitation for high-quality imaging. In addition, two visible fluorescence lasers unlock powerful multiplexing capabilities, enabling researchers to explore multiple targets simultaneously in plate-based assays, slide imaging, and beyond. This flexibility makes it ideal for researchers aiming to capture more data from a single experiment.

Users benefit from rapid scan speeds that reduce total imaging time while improving reproducibility. The Odyssey F is engineered for superior sensitivity and consistent performance, giving researchers increased confidence in their data. Its expanded dynamic range means fewer adjustments and more reliable quantification across a broad concentration spectrum.

Designed for versatility, the Odyssey F supports a wide variety of assays and sample types. The expanded focus offset range ensures compatibility with numerous plate formats and sample depths. Whether you’re conducting EMSA/Gel Shift Assays, In-Cell Westerns, Tissue Section Imaging, or Whole Slide Imaging (WSI), the Odyssey F adapts to your lab’s needs, enhancing both productivity and application reach.

Unchained Labs has raised the bar in biologics characterisation with the launch of Aunty – the world’s fastest and most high-throughput platform for protein stability analysis. Tailored for researchers in biotech, pharma, and gene therapy, Aunty delivers unprecedented speed, sensitivity, and flexibility across a wide range of stability parameters – all from a single 96-well quartz plate.

🔬 Comprehensive Stability Profiling — In Minutes

Aunty characterises protein melting (Tm, Tonset), aggregation (Tagg, Tsize), colloidal stability (kD, B22, G22), long-term stability, and viral vector genome ejection, reading a full 96-well plate every minute. With only 8 µL sample per well, it saves valuable material while delivering maximum insight.

💡 Three Technologies. One Platform.

• Full-Spectrum Fluorescence – For intrinsic or dye-based detection of thermal unfolding.
• Static Light Scattering (SLS) – Detects early-stage aggregation with exceptional sensitivity.
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) – Monitors particle size, polydispersity, and colloidal behaviour.

These modalities can be run in parallel or independently, offering complete flexibility to tailor your assay to the molecule at hand.

1. Thermal Ramp Analysis

Track unfolding and aggregation simultaneously using fluorescence and SLS. Aunty’s sensitivity enables detection down to 25 µg/mL, providing reliable Tm and Tagg measurements across formulations, concentrations, and constructs.

2. Protein and Viral Vector Sizing

Aunty’s ISO-compliant DLS covers particles from 0.3 to 1000 nm. Whether you’re working with therapeutic proteins or viral vectors, it delivers high-precision size measurements and polydispersity profiles in seconds.

3. Colloidal Stability

Quantify aggregation risks under different formulations with Aunty’s automated calculation of kD, B22, and G22. This supports developability assessments for high-concentration biologics and formulation transitions (e.g. IV to SC).

4. Capsid and Genome Stability for AAVs

Using SYBR Gold fluorescence, Aunty detects genome ejection temperatures (Tm) in under an hour. It also pinpoints capsid disruption (Tagg) via SLS – essential for viral vector stability profiling.

5. Isothermal Stability Studies

Run long-term thermal stability tests at set temperatures over hours or days. Monitor changes in unfolding or aggregation over time – with sealed wells for sample integrity and minimal instrument occupation.

At the heart of Aunty is the first 96-well quartz glass consumable – optimised for superior optical clarity, chemical compatibility, and low-volume use. Automation-friendly and easy to seal, it accelerates workflows and minimises contamination risks.

Aunty’s software simplifies complex workflows with easy setup, real-time monitoring, and intuitive visualisation tools. Whether you’re comparing formulations, screening candidates, or optimising viral vector stability, Aunty delivers actionable results – fast.

• Sample Volume: 8 µL
• Read Time: 1 minute for 96 samples
• Temperature Range: 15–95°C
• Light Scattering Sensitivity: Down to 0.05 mg/mL (SLS)
• DLS Range: 0.3–1000 nm
• Genome Ejection Sensitivity: ≥5 × 10¹¹ vg/mL

Whether you’re optimising a therapeutic antibody, screening excipients, or validating AAV vector stability, Aunty is the gold standard in high-throughput protein and viral vector stability characterisation.

For biotech and pharma researchers looking to speed up developability, reduce material usage, and gain multi-parameter insight in a single run – Aunty is the instrument you’ve been waiting for.

Contact Millennium Science – your local distributor of Unchained Labs in Australia and New Zealand – for a demo or to request more information.

The success of high throughput screening (HTS) in finding decent starting points for drug discovery heavily largely depends on the quality of the compound library. MedChemExpress (MCE) can provide 200+ compound libraries which include Bioactive Screening Libraries, Diversity Compound Libraries, High Throughput Screening Libraries, Fragment Libraries and DNA Encoded compound Libraries (DEL). These libraries contain over 16 million available compounds. What’s more, each compound has validated bioactivity data and/or physicochemical properties. These compound libraries are useful professional tools for drug discovery and new indications research and can be used for HTS, high-content screening (HCS) and virtual screening (VS).