Live microscopy is an advanced research tool that allows scientists to study cellular processes in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of dynamic events that might be missed in traditional end-point assays. With the ability to visualize and quantify transient events, as well as fast-kinetic events such as calcium fluxes, and the ability to run long-term time-lapse assays to monitor processes like apoptosis induction, live microscopy offers a wide range of applications for researchers.
Automated live cell imaging systems enhance this technology by enabling continuous monitoring of cells over extended periods of time. This allows researchers to uncover a wealth of cellular dynamics parameters, making live microscopy particularly useful in early-stage drug development. By gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of cells in-vivo, researchers can identify potential therapeutic targets and develop more effective treatments.
Some specific services that can be provided through live microscopy include:
- Visualization and quantification of transient events, such as dynamic signaling responses
- Study of fast-kinetic events such as calcium fluxes
- Long-term time-lapse assays to monitor processes such as apoptosis induction
- Continuous monitoring of cells over extended periods of time using automated imaging systems to analyze cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, invasion, migration and cell to cell interaction
Assay summary
| Live-cell imaging | |
| Working principle | Living cells, whether unstained, stained with fluorescent dyes, or expressing fluorescent proteins, are observed in a high-content screening microscope equipped with an environmental control chamber. This setup enables precise monitoring of cellular dynamics and responses in a controlled en |
| What is detected | Time lapse images allowing for monitoring of the behavior of cells |
| Signal type | fluorescence/brightfield |
| Platform | High throughput fluorescence microscop |
| Sensitivity | Depends on the type of fluorescence dyes or probes being used |
| Throughput | Low to Medium |
| End-point/real time | Real-time |
| Multiplexing | Possible depends on the probes being used |
| Model system | Adherent 2D cell mono- and co-cultures |