ResourceLife Sciences
Optimizing the High Content Analysis of Cell Morphology Using Multidimensional Imaging
12 Nov 2012Characterization of stem cells during growth and differentiation is becoming increasingly important as researchers seek to understand the underlying mechanisms of pluripotency and differentiation. High Content Analysis (HCA) with its automated, multiparameter, quantitative approach offers the potential to investigate stem cell biology with greater precision and throughout than traditional manual microscopy. In this application note, the Thermo Scientific ArrayScan Infinity HCS Reader is shown to provide a variety of multidimensional imaging capabilities that can greatly facilitate stem cell research. Stem cell colonies offer some imaging challenges, but these are readily overcome as a result of the integrated confocal module.
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ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gel Doc / Image AnalysisGel documentation (gel doc) or gel imaging systems are used for the analysis of proteins, antibodies and nucleic acid immobilized in polyacrylamide or agarose gels, membranes or microarrays. Explore a range of a gel imaging systems, densitometers, scanners, transilluminators or UV lamp + CCD cameras for your image analysis solutions. Colorimetric, fluorescent and/or radioisotopic samples can be visualized and documented for further analysis. See gel doc / Image analysis software for quantitative 1D and 2D analysis of your samples. Find the best gel doc / image analysis products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.High-Content ScreeningHigh-content screening (HCS), also known as high-content analysis (HCA), is a high-throughput technique used in drug discovery to identify substances that alter the phenotype of cells. HCS uses fluorescent microscopic imaging and automated image analysis to investigate cellular events such as apoptosis, cell viability, GPCR activation, oxide production, neurite outgrowth, and cell signaling. Find the best fluorescent labeling reagents, cellular assays, and high-content imaging systems in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Light MicroscopyLight microscopes or optical microscopes are used to visualize microscale objects under magnification, including cells, clinical specimens and materials. Lab equipment for light microscopy includes confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, zoom and stereo microscopes. Microscope slides and imaging reagents are available for visualizing samples, as well as various microscope stages and incubators for large or temperature-sensitive samples. Find the best light microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Atomic Force Microscopy / Scanning Tunneling MicroscopyAtomic force microscopes (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) are high-resolution forms of scanning probe microscope (SPM) used to generate topological information of a sample down to the atomic scale. Instruments can generate an image of the surface topology, manipulate objects and reveal information on localized properties such as Young’s modulus, conductivity, and magnetism. High-quality STM and AFM probes optimized for your application are available, as well as other SPM-based instruments such as scanning ion conductance microscopes (SICM) & near-field scanning optical microscopes (NSOM). Find the best AFM and STM equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Stem Cell ResearchStem cells have the ability to produce identical daughter cells as well as progeny, which commit and differentiate. Stem cell research has exciting prospects of biomedical applications in cellular disease modeling, pharmaceutical screening, and regenerative medicine. High Content ImagingHigh content imaging is a method combining two or more fluorescent microscopy experiments to identify substances that alter a cell’s phenotype in a desired manner. The process is adapted to multi-well plates and both the image acquisition and analysis are automated.ConfocalIpscEmbryonic Stem Cells