BD’s Milestone: A New Era in Single-Cell Multiomics
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a prominent player in the global medical technology sector, has recently marked a significant milestone with the installation of its 1,000th BD Rhapsody™ System. This groundbreaking instrument was deployed at Addenbrooke's Hospital of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, signifying a leap forward in the realm of single-cell multiomics analysis.
The BD Rhapsody™ System, which emerged onto the market in 2017, has revolutionized the way scientists approach the study of individual cells. With its capability to conduct comprehensive assays that analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins, the system provides unique insights by examining hundreds of thousands of cells simultaneously. This advancement is crucial for understanding the intricate biological mechanisms that govern health and disease.
Enhancing Scientific Research
Dr. Andrew Conway Morris, an associate professor of anesthesia, outlined the relevance of the BD Rhapsody™ System in their ongoing research. He noted that their focus lies in the signaling pathways of immune cells and their significant role in driving inflammation among critically ill patients. The efficiency and capabilities of the Rhapsody system allow their team to analyze multiomic data seamlessly, simplifying workflows and ultimately aiming to translate these findings into improved treatment strategies for those in intensive care.
Since its launch, the BD Rhapsody™ System has garnered attention in the scientific community, being featured in over 700 publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals. The latest iteration of the system released in 2023 has elevated these capabilities, offering flexible sample processing, gentle cell capture, and employing cutting-edge microwell-based cartridge technology. BD's proprietary molecular indexing technology further streamlines the data generation for next-generation sequencing, providing researchers with faster insights.
Meeting the Needs of Modern Science
The introduction of the BD Rhapsody™ System comes as a direct response to the escalating demand for effective single-cell platforms. Ranga Partha, PhD, the Vice President of Global Marketing at BD Biosciences, stress-tested the importance of high-quality multiomic assays. He emphasized that this system addresses the critical need for a balance between performance and affordability in cell analysis.
The growing acceptance of the BD Rhapsody™ System is validated by its seamless operation alongside leading flow cytometry instruments such as the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter and A8 Cell Analyzer. This integration solidifies its position in modern cell sorting and analysis workflows.
Future Innovations
Looking ahead, BD has further innovations in the pipeline designed to enhance the BD Rhapsody™ ecosystem. The newly launched BD OMICS-One™ WTA Next Assay will empower researchers to extract extensive genetic information from individual cells while keeping costs per cell low. Additionally, the introduction of the BD® OMICS-Guard Cryo aims to facilitate the long-term preservation of samples, which will revolutionize how researchers batch analyze data over time.
Moreover, robust automation solutions are in development to standardize and expedite workflows, ensuring even greater efficiency for researchers.
The research conducted by Dr. Conway Morris is supported by the Medical Research Council, LifeArc, and the Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, highlighting the collaborative efforts in pushing the boundaries of medical science.
The BD Rhapsody™ System will be showcased at the Booth 447 during the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics from October 14 to 18 in Boston. Additional presentations are also scheduled at the Advancing Precision Medicine conference on October 3 and 4 in Philadelphia, providing an exciting platform for further interactions and discussions in the medical community.
About BD
BD has solidified its position as one of the foremost global medical technology companies. The organization is committed to improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the overall delivery of healthcare. With a workforce exceeding 70,000 employees, BD remains dedicated to empowering health professionals by delivering innovative technology, services, and solutions aimed at enhancing clinical therapy and healthcare efficiency worldwide.
For more information on BD and its cutting-edge technologies, visit
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