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ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
Unique confocal imaging solution capable of imaging more than a million wells a week









High-content confocal imaging solution with water objective options
The ImageXpress® Micro Confocal system is a high-content solution that can switch between widefield and confocal imaging of fixed and live cells. It can capture high quality images of whole organisms, thick tissues, 2D and 3D models, and cellular or intracellular events. The spinning disk confocal and sCMOS camera enable imaging of fast and rare events like cardiac cell beating and stem cell differentiation. With MetaXpress software and flexible options like water immersion objectives to choose from, the system enables many confocal imaging applications from 3D assay development to screening.
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Acquire higher quality images
Capture excellent contrast, high resolution images with our proprietary AgileOptix™ spinning disk confocal technology, wide field of view, and bright light source.
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Customize image acquisition and analysis
Take ultimate control over acquisition and analysis parameters, which enables many applications from 3D structure analysis to target imaging of specific objects within an organism or cell populations. Run more applications with standard options like water immersion objectives, environmental control, or any of our high-performance customizations.
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Analyze more data in less time
MetaXpress® PowerCore™ software accelerates analysis speed in a high-throughput environment. The software distributes image processing jobs to a multi-CPU environment.

ImageXpress Micro Confocal Virtual Tour
Features
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Wide dynamic range
Quantify low and high intensity signals in a single image with >3 log dynamic range intensity detection.
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Exclusive AgileOptix spinning disk confocal
The technology provides increased sensitivity with specially designed optics, high-powered, solid state light engines, and sCMOS sensor. Swappable disc geometries provide flexibility between speed and resolution.
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Wide field of view
Wide field of view enables whole-well confocal imaging and eliminates missed targets.
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Optional on-board robotic fluidics
For assays that involve compound addition, well washing, and media exchange, optional on-board robotic fluidics are available.
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Accurate 3D measurements
MetaXpress 3D analysis module is optimized for confocal imaging, enabling 3D measurements of volume and distance.
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Multiple imaging modes
The system offers phase contrast and brightfield label-free imaging, fluorescence, widefield, colorimetric, and confocal imaging, as well as, water immersion imaging as a standard option.
AgileOptix™ technology
Our proprietary AgileOptix technology enables the ImageXpress Micro Confocal system to deliver the sensitivity and throughput needed for demanding applications. AgileOptix is the combination of a powerful solid state, light engine, specially designed optics, scientific CMOS sensor, and the ability to change disk geometries.


MetaXpress high-content image aquisition and analysis software
- Meet high throughput requirements with a scalable, streamlined workflow
- Adapt your analysis tools to tackle your toughest problems, including 3D analysis
- Schedule automatic data transfer between third-party hardware sources and secure database
- Set up hundreds of routinely used HCS assays using MetaXpress software modules
Cellular Image Gallery





†Data and images were acquired during development using customer samples. Results may vary. Highlighted features’ price, time to deliver, and specifications will vary based on mutually agreed technical requirements. Solution requirements may cause adjustment to standard performance.
Latest Resources
Applications of ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
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3D Cell Imaging and Analysis
Three-dimensional (3D) cell models are physiologically relevant and more closely represent tissue microenvironments, cell-to-cell interactions, and biological processes that occur in vivo. Now you can generate more predictive data by incorporating technologies like the ImageXpress system with the integrated 3D Analysis Module in MetaXpress® software. This single interface will enable you to meet 3D acquisition and analysis challenges without compromise to throughput or data quality, giving you confidence in your discoveries.
Cancer Research
Cancer researchers need tools that enable them to more easily study the complex and often poorly understood interactions between cancerous cells and their environment, and to identify points of therapeutic intervention. Learn about instrumentation and software that facilitate cancer research using, in many cases, biologically relevant 3D cellular models like spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems that simulate the in vivo environment of a tumor or organ.
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Cell Counting
Cell counting is fundamental and critical to numerous biological experiments. Assays such as drug compound toxicity, cell proliferation, and inhibition of cell division rely on the assessment of the number or density of cells in a well.
Cell Migration Assays
The movement or migration of cells is often measured in vitro to elucidate the mechanisms of various physiological activities such as wound healing or cancer cell metastasis. Cell migration assays may be conducted in a controlled environment using live cell timelapse imaging.
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Cells in Extracellular Matrices
One common way of culturing cells in three dimensional space is through the use of extracellular matrix-based hydrogels, such as Matrigel. Cells are grown in an extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic an in vivo environment. Differences between Matrigel and 2D cell cultures can be readily seen by their different cell morphologies, cell polarity, and/or gene expression. Hydrogels can also enable studies on cell migration and 3D structure formation, such as endothelial cell tube formation in angiogenesis studies.
COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Research
Here we've addressed common applications in infectious disease research including cell line development, binding affinity, viral neutralization, viral titer and more with a focused effort on understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to develop potential therapies for COVID-19 including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
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Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is the study of cellular structure and function in living cells via microscopy. It enables the visualization and quantitation of dynamic cellular processes in real time. Live cell imaging encompasses a broad range of topics and biological applications—whether it is performing long-term kinetic assays or fluorescently labeling live cells.
Neurite Outgrowth / Neurite Tracing
Neurons create connections via extensions of their cellular body called processes. This biological phenomenon is referred to as neurite outgrowth. Understanding the signaling mechanisms driving neurite outgrowth provides valuable insight into neurotoxic responses, compound screening, and for interpreting factors influencing neural regeneration. Using the ImageXpress Micro system in combination with MetaXpress Image Analysis Software automated neurite outgrowth imaging and analysis is possible for slide or microplate-based cellular assays.
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Organoid technology / Organ-on-a-Chip
Organoid technology, like organ-on-a-chip emulates organ physiology though co-culture of cells in a supportive 3D matrix and use of microfluidic channels to perfuse nutrients or compounds over the resulting cellular structures. It is rapidly gaining popularity as a biologically relevant screening model for new drugs and toxicity.
- 3D image analysis and characterization of angiogenesis in organ-on-a-chip model
- Video: Physiologically-Relevant Tissue Models Using a High-Throughput Organ-on-a-Chip Platform
- High-content assay for morphological characterization of 3D neuronal networks in a microfluidic platform
- Webinar: Developing high-throughput organ-on-a-chip tissue models for drug discovery using high-content imaging
- Poster: Water immersion objectives for automated high-content imaging to improve precision and quality of complex biological assays
Spheroids
Spheroids are multi-cellular 3D structures that mimic in vivo cell responses and interactions. They can be highly reproducible and to be scaled for high-content screening. Compared with adherent cells grown in 2D monolayers, 3D growth conditions are believed to more closely reflect the natural environment of cancer cells. Acquiring measurements from these larger structures involve acquiring images from different depths (z-planes) within the body of the spheroid and analyzing them in 3D, or collapsing the images into a single 2D stack before analysis.
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Stem Cell Research
Pluripotent stem cells can be used for studies in developmental biology or differentiated as a source for organ-specific cells and used for live or fixed cell-based assays on slides or in multi-well plates. The ImageXpress system has utility in all parts of the stem cell researcher’s workflow, from tracking differentiation, to quality control, to measuring functionality of specific cell types.
Toxicity Screening
Screening for off-target or toxic effects is very important during the development of new drugs and for the extension of the therapeutic potential of existing molecules. ImageXpress systems are fully integrated hardware and software platforms for automated acquisition and analysis of images for high-throughput cell-based cytotoxicity testing. Configured with optional environmental control, living cell responses or kinetic reactions can be monitored in real time for several days.
Specifications & Options of ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
Resources of ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
Blog
Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine – Technology and Methods Presented at ISSCR 2022
Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine – Technology and Methods Presented at ISSCR 2022
It was another great year at ISSCR 2022! Leaders from across the globe came together to discuss new technologies, share insights, and explore the newest breakthroughs in stem cell…
Scientific Poster
Structural organization in 3D human iPSC-derived cardiac tri-culture microtissues
Structural organization in 3D human iPSC-derived cardiac tri-culture microtissues
The human heart is a complex organ providing highly regulated processes of moving blood through the body. The adult human ventricle is comprised of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells,…
Application Note
Disease modeling methods with cancer patient-derived organoids
Disease modeling methods with cancer patient-derived organoids
The use of patient-derived tumor tissue has transformed the field of drug and target discovery research, providing a translational tool and physiologically relevant system to evaluate…
eBook
The essential guide to organoids in drug discovery
The essential guide to organoids in drug discovery
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid development is one of the most important advancements in drug discovery research to date.
Application Note
3D Immune Cell Migration
3D Immune Cell Migration
Cell migration is an essential process for many biological phenomena such as early embryonic development and immune cell response. During inflammation, the recruitment of T cells…
Scientific Poster
Automation of the organ-on a chip assay: automated culture, imaging and analysis of angiogenesis
Automation of the organ-on a chip assay: automated culture, imaging and analysis of angiogenesis
There is a critical need for biological model systems that better resemble human biology. Three-dimensional (3D) cell models and organ-on-a-chip (OoC) structures representing various…
Blog
Engineering Next-gen Organoids with Automated Lab Workflows at #SLAS2022
Engineering Next-gen Organoids with Automated Lab Workflows at #SLAS2022
SLAS2022, the Society for Lab Automation and Screening conference offered another exciting year for learning about innovative laboratory technologies. Whether you attended in-person…
Blog
Enabling 3D High-Content Imaging and Analysis on the Organ-on-a-Chip Platform
Enabling 3D High-Content Imaging and Analysis on the Organ-on-a-Chip Platform
Imagine having the ability to mimic the human biological environment for disease modeling and drug screening and doing so in a micro-scale system. With the development of organ-on-a-…
Customer Breakthrough
Visikol team develops 3D cell culture models to simulate the NASH and NAFLD disease progression process using ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System and MetaXpress software
Visikol team develops 3D cell culture models to simulate the NASH and NAFLD disease progression process using ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System and MetaXpress software
In the Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) space, there has been a strong need for an in vitro model that allows researchers to better s…
Application Note
Deep Learning-based Image Analysis for Label-free Live Monitoring of iPSC and 3D Organoid Cultures
Deep Learning-based Image Analysis for Label-free Live Monitoring of iPSC and 3D Organoid Cultures
Complex 3D biological models such as organoids and patient-derived spheroids are gaining popularity in many biomedical research areas because they more closely recapitulate the in vivo…
Blog
Innovation at Molecular Devices: Updates in Automated, High-Content Imaging
Innovation at Molecular Devices: Updates in Automated, High-Content Imaging
From customer feedback to workflow improvements The path to understanding complex biological processes and diseases is paved with a lot of challenges. As the desired level of…
Blog
Stem cell science insights and breakthroughs presented at #ISSCR2021
Stem cell science insights and breakthroughs presented at #ISSCR2021
If you didn't get a chance to visit us at our poster sessions during ISSCR 2021, don’t fret. We've gathered all our sessions right here for you. The ISSCR Annual Meeting brought…
Scientific Poster
Deep learning-based image analysis for label-free live monitoring of iPSC 3D organoid cultures
Deep learning-based image analysis for label-free live monitoring of iPSC 3D organoid cultures
Complex 3D biological models such as organoids and patient derived spheroids are gaining popularity in many biomedical research areas because they more closely recapitulate the in vi…
Scientific Poster
Disease modeling methods with cancer patient-derived organoids
Disease modeling methods with cancer patient-derived organoids
The use of patient-derived tumor tissue has transformed the field of drug and target discovery research, providing a translational tool and physiologically relevant system to evaluat…
Publications
Project Profile: Organoid Innovation Center
Project Profile: Organoid Innovation Center
Lab Manager speaks to Dan O’Connor, vice president, drug discovery, Molecular Devices, about the company’s Organoid Innovation Center in San Jose, CA. The center is 180 sq. ft., with…
Application Note
High-content quantitation of cancer stem cells from a glioblastoma cell line cultured in 3D using GrowDex-T hydrogel
High-content quantitation of cancer stem cells from a glioblastoma cell line cultured in 3D using GrowDex-T hydrogel
Culturing cell models in 3D has the advantage of recreating a more 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘰-like cell environment. With this improved physiological relevance comes a variety of considerations to…
Blog
Tips for running a successful live cell imaging experiment
Tips for running a successful live cell imaging experiment
There have been significant advancements in microscopy and camera technology, as well as advancements in technologies for labeling molecules of interest over the past decade. These…
Application Note
In vitro 3D cancer assays using a microfluidics system, magnetic nanoparticles, and high-content imaging
In vitro 3D cancer assays using a microfluidics system, magnetic nanoparticles, and high-content imaging
In recent years, the need to have physiologically accurate 3D cell models for research and drug development has been steadily growing. Researchers have been perfecting the formation…
Blog
Overcome the challenges of high-throughput 3D imaging
Overcome the challenges of high-throughput 3D imaging
Thanks to recent advances in imaging technologies, we are now able to observe and analyze complex cellular networks in three dimensions. Through 3D imaging, we can acquire and…
Publications
Shaping the Future of Organoid Research
Shaping the Future of Organoid Research
Molecular Devices, a provider of innovative life science technology, recently unveiled a brand new, first-of-its-kind Organoid Innovation Center. Situated at the company’s global hea…
Publications
Disease Modeling with 3D Cell-Based Assays Using a Novel Flowchip System and High-Content Imaging
Disease Modeling with 3D Cell-Based Assays Using a Novel Flowchip System and High-Content Imaging
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translational research. We describe here a novel…
Publications
How AI is advancing neurodegenerative disease research
How AI is advancing neurodegenerative disease research
In this guest editorial, explore how artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful tool for drug discovery
As part of the SelectScience Advances in Drug Discovery Special Fea…
Blog
Overcome the challenges of high-content cell analysis through AI/machine learning
Overcome the challenges of high-content cell analysis through AI/machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is finding its way into many aspects of modern life, from autonomous vehicles to voice-powered personal assistants, and even the creation of art. But it…
Publications
Using 3D cancer cell models to push forward personalized medicine
Using 3D cancer cell models to push forward personalized medicine
Using 3D cancer cell models to push forward personalized medicine: an interview with Angeline Lim, PhD, of Molecular Devices
Editor-in…
Scientific Poster
Automated 3D cell-based assays using a novel flow chip system and high-content imaging
Automated 3D cell-based assays using a novel flow chip system and high-content imaging
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translation research. Significant progress has b…
eBook
Cellular Imaging Insights
Cellular Imaging Insights
Gain insights and expedite studies for 2D and 3D cellular structures using automated cellular imaging.
Blog
Life sciences technology predictions for 2021
Life sciences technology predictions for 2021
For over 30 years, Molecular Devices has been at the forefront of technological advances which have contributed to significant scientific breakthroughs. To kick off the new year, we…
eBook
Accelerate vaccine development
Accelerate vaccine development
Immunology is now, more than anytime in recent history, one of the top fields of research. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) continue to enjoy intense interest as potential therapeutics.…
Application Note
3D cell-based assays using a novel fluidics flowchip technology and high-content imaging
3D cell-based assays using a novel fluidics flowchip technology and high-content imaging
Known as lab-on-a-chip systems, microfluidics gained popularity for its demonstrated success manipulating small volumes of fluid to control chemical, biological, and physical processes.
Blog
7 tips for optimizing your 3D cell imaging and analysis workflow
7 tips for optimizing your 3D cell imaging and analysis workflow
As the field of cell biology moves toward increasing complexity of assays, 3D cell systems have proven to provide more physiologically relevant information as compared to…
Publications
Transcriptomics-based drug repositioning pipeline identifies therapeutic candidates for COVID-19
Transcriptomics-based drug repositioning pipeline identifies therapeutic candidates for COVID-19
The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in December 2019 and has few effective treatments. We applied a computational drug repositioning pipeline to SARS-CoV-2 differential gene expressio…
Blog
Water immersion technology and high-content imaging: A closer look
Water immersion technology and high-content imaging: A closer look
Three-dimensional (3D) cellular assays have emerged as a valuable tool in drug discovery and biological research, as they closely mimic in vivo environments and are shown to…
Blog
Get to know our Field Applications Scientist: Kayla Hill
Get to know our Field Applications Scientist: Kayla Hill
Kayla Hill discusses the latest trends in cellular imaging We recently hosted a webinar with our Field Applications Scientist, Kayla Hill, PhD, who explored high-content analysis…
Scientific Poster
3D imaging and analysis of angiogenesis in the organ-on-a-chip platform
3D imaging and analysis of angiogenesis in the organ-on-a-chip platform
Angiogenesis is the physiological process of formation and remodeling of new blood vessels and capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels.1 This can be achieved through e…
Application Note
High-throughput screening of 3D cell cultures with multiple high density scaffold-free spheroids for cancer toxicity studies
High-throughput screening of 3D cell cultures with multiple high density scaffold-free spheroids for cancer toxicity studies
3D spheroid models for cancer research are gaining popularity because they better mimic the in vivo tissue architecture, gene expression and metabolic profile of tumors compared to…
Publications
Advanced Cell Screening and Imaging Reveals How the Cardiac System Responds in Drug Development
Advanced Cell Screening and Imaging Reveals How the Cardiac System Responds in Drug Development
In drug discovery, time and monetary investments increase significantly the further candidates advance through the preclinical phase of testing, analysis and evaluation. By excluding…
eBook
High-content imaging for diverse 3D cell culture models
High-content imaging for diverse 3D cell culture models
Investigate diverse 3D models and resolve common challenges experienced in 3D cell culture assays.
Scientific Poster
AI-based analysis of complex biological phenotypes
AI-based analysis of complex biological phenotypes
Cell-based phenotypic assays have become an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional in vitro and in vivo testing in pharmaceutical drug development and toxicological safet…
Publications
Improving acquisition and analysis of 3D cell model assays with water immersion objectives
Improving acquisition and analysis of 3D cell model assays with water immersion objectives
Sebastian Peck is a senior product manager for cellular imaging at Molecular Devices, one of the world's leading providers of high-performance bioanalytical measurement systems, soft…
Publications
The workflow game-changer: combined technologies for efficiency
The workflow game-changer: combined technologies for efficiency
Microfluidic flowchip technology combined with three-dimensional (3D) imaging is a powerful duo poised to change the future of drug discovery and development. The integration of comb…
Application Note
3D image analysis and characterization of angiogenesis in organ-on-a-chip model
3D image analysis and characterization of angiogenesis in organ-on-a-chip model
Angiogenesis is the physiological process of formation and remodeling of new blood vessels and capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels. This can be achieved through endothelial…
Application Note
Phenotypic characterization of neuroactive compound effects
Phenotypic characterization of neuroactive compound effects
The FLIPR Penta system is powered by a high-speed EMCCD camera and the new ScreenWorks Peak Pro 2 software. The system allows measurement and analysis of complex patterns of calcium…
Scientific Poster
Automated Long-term 3D Cell-Based Toxicity Studies Using a Flowchip System
Automated Long-term 3D Cell-Based Toxicity Studies Using a Flowchip System
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translation research.1 Significant progress has…
Scientific Poster
Multiplexed automated assays for neurotoxicity evaluation using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural 3D cell models
Multiplexed automated assays for neurotoxicity evaluation using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural 3D cell models
Cell-based phenotypic assays have become an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional in vitro and in vivo testing in pharmaceutical drug development and toxicological safet…
Publications
Imaging system produces human cellular morphological data for COVID-19 research
Imaging system produces human cellular morphological data for COVID-19 research
In an effort to better understand the cellular responses to COVID-19, the digital biology company Recursion has publicly released the world’s largest imaging dataset portraying thera…
Publications
3D Microscopy Keeps Getting Faster, Smarter, Leaner
3D Microscopy Keeps Getting Faster, Smarter, Leaner
With each passing day, continuous advancements are being made in the studies that cutting-edge instruments can perform and in the complexity of the biological samples that are being…
Application Note
Monitor mitochondria dynamics and phenotype with high-content imaging
Monitor mitochondria dynamics and phenotype with high-content imaging
Mitochondria are the main energy source for cells and play a key role in regulating cellular metabolism. Mitochondria can change their structures depending on environmental conditions…
Publications
From 3D high throughput to simple automated imaging: Cellular imaging within reach of every laboratory
From 3D high throughput to simple automated imaging: Cellular imaging within reach of every laboratory
OUR ABILITY to image cells has come a long way since the pioneering days of Galileo Galilei and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. The multiple imaging techniques available today range from si…
Customer Breakthrough
Bioneer use the ImageXpress Micro Confocal for high-throughput imaging of 3D disease models
Bioneer use the ImageXpress Micro Confocal for high-throughput imaging of 3D disease models
Revolutionizing early drug discovery for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative disease modelling: High throughput imaging of 3D models of disease
…
Publications
Revolutionizing early drug discovery for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative disease modeling
Revolutionizing early drug discovery for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative disease modeling
The development of 3D cellular models of disease has enabled researchers to better recapitulate in vivo cell environments. As 3D models become more prevalent in the drug discovery in…
Scientific Poster
Complex event analysis for neurotoxic profiling of compound effects on human iPSC-derived neural spheroid 3D cultures
Complex event analysis for neurotoxic profiling of compound effects on human iPSC-derived neural spheroid 3D cultures
To speed up the development of more effective and safer drugs, there is an increasing need for more complex, biologically relevant and predictive cell-based assays for drug discovery…
Scientific Poster
Water immersion objectives for automated high-content imaging to improve precision and quality of complex biological assays
Water immersion objectives for automated high-content imaging to improve precision and quality of complex biological assays
The purpose of these studies was to determine if water immersion objectives, used to improve image quality in complex biological assays, could be used in a high-throughput environmen…
Publications
2020 Society for Lab Automation and Screening International Conference & Exhibition: Laboratories Embrace Automation
2020 Society for Lab Automation and Screening International Conference & Exhibition: Laboratories Embrace Automation
The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) held their annual conference January 25–29 in San Diego, California. The show hosts presentations, short courses and an exh…
Publications
LabTube Meets Molecular Devices & MIMETAS
LabTube Meets Molecular Devices & MIMETAS
Molecular Devices partners with MIMETAS to scale up organoid screening—helping researchers go from 2D to 3D phenotypic relevant organoid screening. At SLAS 2020, they featured the Im…
Flyer
Water Immersion Objectives for the ImageXpress Micro Confocal system
Water Immersion Objectives for the ImageXpress Micro Confocal system
Gain the sensitivity to capture more phenotypic data at greater depths. Our high-content imagers and expert team are here to help your lab simplify imaging and analysis of complex, 3…
Publications
The importance of the cellular microenvironment in the development of more efficient drugs against complex diseases
The importance of the cellular microenvironment in the development of more efficient drugs against complex diseases
The biotechnological start-up is focused on in vitro preclinical research and development, with a specialization in automated cellular imaging: high-content analysis (HCA) and high-c…
Application Note
A high-content tube formation assay using an 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 angiogenesis model
A high-content tube formation assay using an 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 angiogenesis model
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, is a critical step involved in various biological processes, such as endothelial sprouting, proliferation,…
Publications
Microenvironment and 3D image analysis key in the development of more efficient drugs against complex diseases
Microenvironment and 3D image analysis key in the development of more efficient drugs against complex diseases
The biotechnological start-up is focused on in vitro preclinical research and development with a specialization in cellular imaging: high-content analysis (HCA) and high-content scre…
Application Note
Measure cell migration using a simple scratch assay with timelapse live-cell imaging
Measure cell migration using a simple scratch assay with timelapse live-cell imaging
The movement or migration of cells has long been studied to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of angiogenesis, embryogenesis, cancer metastasis, immune responses, and wound…
Publications
Harnessing the latest imaging technology to advance angiogenesis research
Harnessing the latest imaging technology to advance angiogenesis research
Ever since the discovery that tumors undergo angiogenesis in order to grow and survive, researchers have sought to better understand the detailed mechanism of new blood vessel format…
Flyer
High-performance Customizations
High-performance Customizations
Capture more data at greater depths for 3D and thick tissue samples Scalable, high-performance, high-content screening solutions with the ImageXpress® Micro Confocal system
Publications
High-content imaging systems help unlock the full potential of 3D tissue models
High-content imaging systems help unlock the full potential of 3D tissue models
Angiogenesis is an important field of research and a focus for cancer therapeutics. In this interview, Dr. Bas Trietsch, CTO, MIMETAS, introduces a new solution for the study of angi…
Presentations
Functional and mechanistic neurotoxicity profiling using human iPSC-derived neural 3D cultures
Functional and mechanistic neurotoxicity profiling using human iPSC-derived neural 3D cultures
Expertise in human iPSC-derived neural and cardiac platforms; Focus on adapting platforms to HTS and producing assay-ready solutions to accelerate drug discovery; Neural platform:…
Application Note
Explore cardiac function by measuring calcium oscillation or contraction patterns
Explore cardiac function by measuring calcium oscillation or contraction patterns
Understanding the impact of drugs on cardiac system early in the development process is critical to improve the safety of drugs getting to market. Cardiotoxicity is believed to be one…
Presentations
Advantages and challenges of phenotypic screening in 3D culture including ECM
Advantages and challenges of phenotypic screening in 3D culture including ECM
Learn more about the advantages and challenges of using 3D culture in phenotypic screening
Scientific Poster
High-throughput single-cell contractility measurements using FLECS with ImageXpress Micro
High-throughput single-cell contractility measurements using FLECS with ImageXpress Micro
Track contractility of each single cell within each population over long experimental times.
Application Note
High-throughput screening of single-cell contractile force using FLECS Technology
High-throughput screening of single-cell contractile force using FLECS Technology
The ability of mammalian cells to generate mechanical forces—to push, pull, or squeeze—is an intrinsic capability that is used by cells both individually and together as tissue to…
Scientific Poster
A novel high-throughput solution for screening drugs with a light-crosslinked VersaGel 3D tumor culture model and automated high-content imaging
A novel high-throughput solution for screening drugs with a light-crosslinked VersaGel 3D tumor culture model and automated high-content imaging
Screen models that mimic in vivo tumor microenvironment using novel 3D cell culture platform, VersaGel and Symphony
Scientific Poster
Measure cell migration using automated cell imaging and analysis
Measure cell migration using automated cell imaging and analysis
Effectively image and analyze cell migration using a scratch assay or a dissolvable biocompatible gel
Application Note
Acquire data 10X faster from 3D spheroids cultured using Symphony® and VersaGel®
Acquire data 10X faster from 3D spheroids cultured using Symphony® and VersaGel®
Most in vitro cell culture work is performed in two-dimensions (2D), where cells grow on a flat surface. However, culturing cells in 2D to screen drugs provides a limited picture of…
eBook
Quantitate Neuron Potential
Quantitate Neuron Potential
Gain valuable insights into neurobiology, from evaluation of ion channels to analysis of 3D neuron organoids.
eBook
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
This new eBook discusses early drug safety testing using HTS iPSC-derived cells with imaging. Download it now!
Customer Breakthrough
HCS Pharma uses ImageXpress Micro Confocal Systems for phenotypic screening of physiologically relevant 3D cell models
HCS Pharma uses ImageXpress Micro Confocal Systems for phenotypic screening of physiologically relevant 3D cell models
HCS Pharma is a biotechnology start-up focused on in vitro preclinical research and development. The company specializes in multi-parametric cell imaging assays using High-C…
Scientific Poster
Neurotoxicity profiling using 3D human iPSC-derived neural spheroids
Neurotoxicity profiling using 3D human iPSC-derived neural spheroids
Test compound effects and screen for neurotoxic chemicals using 3D neural spheroids.
Infographic
3D Imaging Advantage
3D Imaging Advantage
Learn about the advantage and the technology behind 3D cellular image acquisition and analysis.
Publications
Rising growth of the global high‑content screening software and services market
Rising growth of the global high‑content screening software and services market
Developments in informatics solutions and high-content imaging instruments, increased focus on cell-based research, and rising government support of research and development for drug…
Application Note
Counting cells with the Transmitted Light Analysis Module in MetaXpress
Counting cells with the Transmitted Light Analysis Module in MetaXpress
Label-free cellular assays are required for a multitude of biological applications that monitor the cell number, proliferation, health, confluency, and cytotoxicity. In this…
Application Note
Analyze experimental results using curve fitting with MetaXpress 6.5 software
Analyze experimental results using curve fitting with MetaXpress 6.5 software
The ability to annotate your plate, plot your data into a graph, and produce a variety of curves and readouts including IC50 values and benchmark dose or concentration for your…
Customer Breakthrough
MIMETAS uses the ImageXpress Pico and ImageXpress Micro Confocal systems to develop tissue models for their OrganoPlates®
MIMETAS uses the ImageXpress Pico and ImageXpress Micro Confocal systems to develop tissue models for their OrganoPlates®
MIMETAS offers the OrganoPlate®, a unique 3D organ-on-a-chip platform. The OrganoPlate® is a fully compatible microfluidic culture plate, enabling testing of compounds in any through…
Customer Breakthrough
StemoniX uses three of our solutions to validate their microBrain 3D Assay Ready Plates
StemoniX uses three of our solutions to validate their microBrain 3D Assay Ready Plates
Current models available to neuroscience researchers have limitations that hamper the development of new medicines. Complex models, such as post-mortem brains and animal models, more…
eBook
Acquire and analyze 3D images like a pro
Acquire and analyze 3D images like a pro
There has been significant progress in the development of 3D models and techniques during the last few years. Methods include biodegradable scaffolds, organ-on-a chip structures, or…
Scientific Poster
High-Throughput Assays for Characterizing Viability and Morphology of 3D Cancer Spheroid Cultures
High-Throughput Assays for Characterizing Viability and Morphology of 3D Cancer Spheroid Cultures
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models span the gap between two-dimensional cell cultures and whole-animal systems. By mimicking features of the in vivo environment and taking advant…
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Imaging Solutions to Answer Your Biological Questions
Imaging Solutions to Answer Your Biological Questions
Learn about our imaging family and which solution is best suited to answer your biological questions.
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University of Zurich uses the ImageXpress Widefield System to investigate host pathogen interactions
University of Zurich uses the ImageXpress Widefield System to investigate host pathogen interactions
At the University of Zurich, researchers are interested in late events that occur in human cells infected by replicating pathogens such as viruses. These events typically involve she…
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ImageXpress Micro Confocal high-content imaging system
ImageXpress Micro Confocal high-content imaging system
The ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System provides improved quantification for live or fixed cell assays. This versatile imaging system features a unique confocal te…
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MetaXpress High-Content Image Acquisition and Analysis Software
MetaXpress High-Content Image Acquisition and Analysis Software
Capture high-resolution images, recognize and segment objects, calculate parameters, and then translate your information into meaningful data. At Molecular Devices, we’re inspired by…
Scientific Poster
Phenotypic Assessment of Toxicity Using a Human Hepatocyte Co-Culture Model
Phenotypic Assessment of Toxicity Using a Human Hepatocyte Co-Culture Model
Development of predictive in vitro assays for early toxicity evaluation is extremely important for improving the drug development process and reducing drug attrition rates during cli…
Scientific Poster
Novel High Content Stem Cell-based Assays for Screening
Novel High Content Stem Cell-based Assays for Screening
The biopharma industry is continuing to adapt more cell-based assays for primary and secondary screening because of higher biological relevance and increased value of information.…
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Measuring mitochondrial shape and distribution using the ImageXpress Micro High-Content Imaging System
Measuring mitochondrial shape and distribution using the ImageXpress Micro High-Content Imaging System
Using high-content imaging assays allow cells cultured and treated in microplates to be imaged alive without wash steps for real-time studies of cells in their most natural state,…
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Assessment of drug effects on cardiomyocyte physiology using human iPSC-derived cardiac spheroids
Assessment of drug effects on cardiomyocyte physiology using human iPSC-derived cardiac spheroids
Cell models are becoming more complex in order to better mimic in vivo microenvironments and provide greater predictivity for compound efficacy and toxicity. There is an increasing…
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High-content assay for morphological characterization of 3D neuronal networks in a microfluidic platform
High-content assay for morphological characterization of 3D neuronal networks in a microfluidic platform
Establishment of physiologically-relevant in vitro models is crucial to further understanding of the mechanisms of neurological diseases as well as targeted drug development. While…
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Automating the generation and analysis of 3D cell cultures in Matrigel®
Automating the generation and analysis of 3D cell cultures in Matrigel®
Researchers are turning to three-dimensional (3D) cell culture as a way to increase the biological relevance of their disease models and predictive value of drug studies. These 3D…
Application Note
Automation of 3D spheroid cultures in ultra-low attachment plates
Automation of 3D spheroid cultures in ultra-low attachment plates
We have previously described the automated plating, treatment, and analysis of 3D spheroids formed in hanging drop
plates (see Automated 3D Cell Culture and Screening by Imaging…Application Note
Multi-parameter imaging assay for measuring toxicity in a tumor model
Multi-parameter imaging assay for measuring toxicity in a tumor model
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling cancer and tissue biology to accelerate translational research. The goal of this study was to…
Application Note
3D analysis and morphometric characterization of compound effects on cancer spheroid cultures
3D analysis and morphometric characterization of compound effects on cancer spheroid cultures
Cellular transformation/tumorigenicity assays using cultures of cells in semi-solid media (soft agar or Matrigel) has been well established for cancer research1,2,5. The assay requires…
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High-content 3D toxicity assay using iPSC-derived hepatocyte spheroids
High-content 3D toxicity assay using iPSC-derived hepatocyte spheroids
There is increasing interest in exploring the use of three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling developmental and tissue biology with the goal of accelerating translational research…
Application Note
High-Throughput Confocal Imaging of Spheroids for Screening Cancer Therapeutics
High-Throughput Confocal Imaging of Spheroids for Screening Cancer Therapeutics
In recent years, there has been significant progress in development of in vitro aggregates of tumor cells for use as models for in vivo tissue environments. When seeded into a well of…
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3D Imaging of Cancer Cell Spheroids
3D Imaging of Cancer Cell Spheroids
Many cancer cell lines will form spheroids if cultured on a favorable three dimensional (3D) matrix. These spheroids are believed to represent tumor physiology more closely than cells…
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Live cell kinetics assay utilizing the ImageXpress Micro System
Live cell kinetics assay utilizing the ImageXpress Micro System
The ImageXpress® Micro Confocal/ XLS Widefield High-Content Imaging System from Molecular Devices includes optional Fluidics and Environmental Control modules, enabling single-channel…
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Assaying cardiotoxicity with ImageXpress high-content screening systems
Assaying cardiotoxicity with ImageXpress high-content screening systems
The discovery and development of novel drugs is a difficult and expensive process due to lack of tools and techniques to accurately reproduce the human physiological response in the…
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Visualize subcellular vesicles to quantitate autophagy in neuronal cells
Visualize subcellular vesicles to quantitate autophagy in neuronal cells
Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process that sequesters and degrades proteins and organelles that have either been recognized as faulty or are simply no longer needed by the…
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Increase sensitivity in no-wash assays using confocal imaging
Increase sensitivity in no-wash assays using confocal imaging
Screening of hybridoma supernatants for antibodies directed against cell-surface antigens is an important step in the discovery and development of antibodies for vaccines or…
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High-throughput imaging assays using zebrafish, a model organism for human disease
High-throughput imaging assays using zebrafish, a model organism for human disease
Recently, zebrafish-based screening has gained favor as an alternative to mammalian screening due to cost, throughput and reduced ethical concerns. Zebrafish are a useful model for…
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Apoptosis detection using EarlyTox Caspase-3/7-D NucView 488 Assay Kit on ImageXpress Micro systems
Apoptosis detection using EarlyTox Caspase-3/7-D NucView 488 Assay Kit on ImageXpress Micro systems
Apoptosis is an important mechanism signaling programmed death of cells in normal processes such as embryonic development, as well as in diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative…
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High-content screening of neuronal toxicity using iPSC-derived human neurons
High-content screening of neuronal toxicity using iPSC-derived human neurons
The nervous system is sensitive to the toxic effects of many chemical compounds, environmental agents and certain naturally occurring substances. Neurotoxicity can cause temporary or…
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Intelligent time-lapse imaging to enhance live cell assay development
Intelligent time-lapse imaging to enhance live cell assay development
The ability to monitor responses in living cells over a specific period of time offers cell biologists several key advantages for assay development. For routine cellbased screening,…
Application Note
Multiplexed high-content hepatotoxicity assays using iPSC-derived hepatocytes
Multiplexed high-content hepatotoxicity assays using iPSC-derived hepatocytes
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is an important cause for liver injury and acute liver failure. Thus highly predictive assays for safety and efficacy testing are crucial for improving drug…
Application Note
Monitoring BNP Expression and Cell Size to Determine Hypertrophic Response in Human Cardiomyocytes
Monitoring BNP Expression and Cell Size to Determine Hypertrophic Response in Human Cardiomyocytes
Cardiac hypertrophy is a condition associated with many heart diseases such as myocardial infarction, ischemia, hypertension, valvular dysfunctions, and is also observed as a toxic…
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ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
The ImageXpress® Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System provides improved quantification for live or fixed cell assays. This versatile imaging system features a unique confocal t…
Scientific Poster
High-Content Assay for Morphological Characterization of 3D Neuronal Networks in a Microfluidic Platform
High-Content Assay for Morphological Characterization of 3D Neuronal Networks in a Microfluidic Platform
The absence of physiologically relevant in vitro models of the nervous system is an important limitation in using 3D cultures for assay development applicable for neurodegenerative d…
Scientific Poster
Phenotypic Characterization of Compound Effects on iPSC-derived Cardiac & Liver Spheroids
Phenotypic Characterization of Compound Effects on iPSC-derived Cardiac & Liver Spheroids
Explore PDF & learn the use of fast kinetic fluorescence and 3D image analysis for Phenotypic characterization of compound effects on iPSC-derived Cardiac and Liver Spheroids.…
Scientific Poster
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Effects on Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Spheroid Cultures
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Effects on Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Spheroid Cultures
for modeling developmental and tissue biology with the goal of accelerating translational research. Such 3D models can provide different perspectives from traditional 2D cultures on…
Scientific Poster
Increase Sensitivity with Confocal Acquisition in a High-Throughput Imaging Assay for Detecting DNA Damage and Genotoxicity
Increase Sensitivity with Confocal Acquisition in a High-Throughput Imaging Assay for Detecting DNA Damage and Genotoxicity
Learn how to improve sensitivity of DNA damage detection & genotoxicity sensitivity with confocal acquisition to detect nuclear punctae in a high throughput imaging assay.
Scientific Poster
Screening Cell Cycle Inhibitors using Automated High-Content Imaging
Screening Cell Cycle Inhibitors using Automated High-Content Imaging
Monitoring treatment effects on the cell cycle is particularly relevant to progressing oncology research and drug discovery. For instance, compounds known to inhibit mitosis are ofte…
Scientific Poster
High-Content Assay for Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Development in 3D Matrix Using Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Cultures
High-Content Assay for Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Development in 3D Matrix Using Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Cultures
Development of more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive cell-based assays for compound screening is one of the main challenges in drug discovery. There is an increasing in…
Scientific Poster
Predictive Assays for High Throughput Assessment of Cardiac Toxicity and Drug Safety
Predictive Assays for High Throughput Assessment of Cardiac Toxicity and Drug Safety
Read more about cell based assays for measuring the impact of pharmacological compounds on the rate of beating cardiomyocytes with different assay platforms.
Scientific Poster
Morphometric Characterization of Cancer Spheroid Cultures Using Confocal Imaging and 3D Image Analysis
Morphometric Characterization of Cancer Spheroid Cultures Using Confocal Imaging and 3D Image Analysis
There is an emerging interest in using three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures for modeling tissue biology and cancer. Development of higher throughput assays to quantify phenotypic…
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Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Molecular Devices is a leading provider of high-performance bioanalytical measurement solutions for life science research, pharmaceutical development, and biotherapeutic discovery. O…
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3D Image Analysis Module
3D Image Analysis Module
Complex assays and three-dimensional cell models better represent tissue biology and cell interactions, making them more relevant for many toxicity and drug screening assays. The abi…
Publications
Phenotypic Characterization of Toxic Compound Effects on Liver Spheroids Derived from iPSC Using Confocal Imaging and Three-Dimensional Image Analysis
Phenotypic Characterization of Toxic Compound Effects on Liver Spheroids Derived from iPSC Using Confocal Imaging and Three-Dimensional Image Analysis
Cell models are becoming more complex to better mimic the in vivo environment and provide greater predictivity for compound efficacy and toxicity. There is an increasing interest in…
Publications
A Chemical-Biological Similarity-Based Grouping of Complex Substances as a Prototype Approach for Evaluating Chemical Alternatives
A Chemical-Biological Similarity-Based Grouping of Complex Substances as a Prototype Approach for Evaluating Chemical Alternatives
Comparative assessment of potential human health impacts is a critical step in evaluating both chemical alternatives and existing products on the market. Most alternatives assessment…
Publications
High-Content Assay Multiplexing for Toxicity Screening in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Hepatocytes
High-Content Assay Multiplexing for Toxicity Screening in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Hepatocytes
Cell-based high-content screening (HCS) assays have become an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional in vitro and in vivo testing in pharmaceutical drug development and t…
Publications
High-Content Assays for Characterizing the Viability and Morphology of 3D Cancer Spheroid Cultures
High-Content Assays for Characterizing the Viability and Morphology of 3D Cancer Spheroid Cultures
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling cancer and tissue biology to accelerate translation research. Development of higher throughput…
Publications
High-Content Assays for Hepatotoxicity Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cells
High-Content Assays for Hepatotoxicity Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cells
Abstract Development of predictive in vitro assays for early toxicity evaluation is extremely important for improving the drug development process and reducing drug attrition rates d…


Explore More Complex Biology with Automated Imaging of 3D Assay Models

Immunology and Vaccine Development Workflow

Hybridoma Workflow

Disease modeling in the 21st century: Automated organoid assays with 3D imaging

High-throughput, organoid-derived organ-on-a-chip systems for drug discovery and disease modelling

Unleash the power of Cell Painting

3D cell culture, tissue clearing, & high-content imaging in the quest of effective solutions to NAFLD

Transitioning high-content assays to 3D: Scientific opportunities and imaging challenges

Gain deeper insights into cellular 3D structures with water immersion objectives

An AI-based approach to high-content phenotypic characterization of human iPSC-derived neuronal cells

Implementing 3D Neural Spheroids in Drug Discovery

Accelerate your screening with high-content and automated imaging

Accelerating study of viral infection and therapeutics with microplate-based detection and high-throughput screening

ImageXpress Micro Confocal Virtual Tour

Magnetic 3D Bioprinting, 3D Cell Culture in a 2D Workflow

LabTube Meets Molecular Devices & MIMETAS, Susan Murphy & Sebastiaan Trietsch

Plate annotation and curve fitting in MetaXpress

Quickstart Guide: Plate acquisition on the ImageXpress Micro Confocal using MetaXpress

Quickstart Guide: Review images on the ImageXpress Micro Confocal using MetaXpress

Basic workflow from image acquisition to analysis on the ImageXpress Micro Confocal using MetaXpress

Developing high-throughput organ-on-a-chip tissue models for drug discovery using high-content imaging

Toxicity studies of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and neuronal spheroids

Optimizing high-content screening tools for physiologically-relevant 3D in vitro models

Morphological Characterization of 3D Neuronal Networks in a Microfluidic Platform

3D Imaging of Cancer Spheroids

High-Content Screening for Identifying miRNAs

Identification of Selective Inhibitors of the STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Oliver Kepp and Jayne Hesley - Hallmarks of Cancer - Detect and Quantify Cell Death Signatures with High Content Imaging

Multidimensional High-Throughput Imaging with the New ImageXpress Micro Confocal System

Pushing the Boundaries of High Content Screening

Preparing Assays for Genome-wide RNAi Screens Using High Content Microscopy

Multiplexed High Content Hepatoxicity Assays Using iPSC-Derived Hepatocytes

High Content Imaging Analysis of Cell Sheet Morphogenesis Utilizing 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 Tissue Models

Simple and Flexible High Content Imaging Enabling Quantitation of Complex Biological Events

Contemporary Automation and High Content Imaging Tools for Screening Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Implement High-Throughput 3D Image Analysis for Samples from Subcellular Structures to Spheroids

Live Cell Imaging to Investigate the Regulation of Cell Division Timing

Using High-throughput RNA Screening to Identify Host Factors That Impact Viral Infection

Application of HCA Tools for Antibody Drug Discovery

Setting up 3D Spheroid Assays Using High-Content Imaging

Physiologically-Relevant Tissue Models Using a High-Throughput Organ-on-a-Chip Platform

Emerging Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Applications in Drug Discovery

StemoniX microBrain 3D Assay Ready Plates for HTS
Number of Citations*: 2,090
Latest Citations: For a complete list, please click here .
*Source: https://scholar.google.com/
- Dated: Mar 30, 2021Publication Name: Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening
Disease Modeling with 3D Cell-Based Assays Using a Novel Flowchip System and High-Content Imaging
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translational research. We describe here a novel automated organoid assay system (the Pu·MA System) combined with microfluidic-based flowchips that can facilitate 3D cell-based assays. The flowchip is composed of… View moreThere is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translational research. We describe here a novel automated organoid assay system (the Pu·MA System) combined with microfluidic-based flowchips that can facilitate 3D cell-based assays. The flowchip is composed of sample wells, which contain organoids, connected to additional multiple wells that can hold various assay reagents. Organoids are positioned in a protected chamber in sample wells, and fluids are exchanged from side reservoirs using pressure-driven flow. Media exchange, sample staining, wash steps, and other processes can be performed without disruption to or loss of 3D sample. The bottom of the sample chamber is thin, optically clear plastic compatible with high-content imaging (HCI). The whole system can be kept in an incubator, allowing long-term cellular assays to be performed. We present two examples of use of the system for biological research. In the first example, cytotoxicity effects of anticancer drugs were evaluated on HeLa and HepG2 spheroids using HCI and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. In the second application, the flowchip system was used for the functional evaluation of Ca2+ oscillations in neurospheroids. Neurospheres were incubated with neuroactive compounds, and neuronal activity was assessed using Ca2+-sensitive dyes and fast kinetic fluorescence imaging. This novel assay system using microfluidics enables automation of 3D cell-based cultures that mimic in vivo conditions, performs multidosing protocols and multiple media exchanges, provides gentle handling of spheroids and organoids, and allows a wide range of assay detection modalities.
Contributors: Evan F. Cromwell, Michelle Leung, Matthew Hammer, Anthony Thai, Rashmi Rajendra, Oksana Sirenko
Go to article - Dated: Jan 12, 2021Publication Name: Upstate Medical University
Patricia Kane, PhD
All eukaryotic cells tightly control cellular pH. Proper control of cytoplasmic pH is essential for normal metabolism and cell growth, and acidification of organelles such as the lysosome, endosome, and Golgi apparatus is essential for protein sorting and degradation, ion homeostasis, and signal transduction. The vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is one… View moreAll eukaryotic cells tightly control cellular pH. Proper control of cytoplasmic pH is essential for normal metabolism and cell growth, and acidification of organelles such as the lysosome, endosome, and Golgi apparatus is essential for protein sorting and degradation, ion homeostasis, and signal transduction. The vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is one of the central players in pH control. All eukaryotic cells have V-ATPases of remarkably similar structure, and loss of V-ATPase function is lethal at early stages of development in higher eukaryotes and conditionally lethal in fungi.
- Dated: Jan 01, 2019Publication Name: Toxicology Science
Functional and Mechanistic Neurotoxicity Profiling Using Human iPSC-Derived Neural 3D Cultures
Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and appear to be on the rise. Whereas the reason for this increase remains unknown, environmental factors are a suspected contributor. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive in vitro assays to screen larger sets of compounds with the… View moreNeurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and appear to be on the rise. Whereas the reason for this increase remains unknown, environmental factors are a suspected contributor. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive in vitro assays to screen larger sets of compounds with the potential for neurotoxicity. Here, we employed a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based 3D neural platform composed of mature cortical neurons and astrocytes as a model for this purpose. The iPSC-derived human 3D cortical neuron/astrocyte co-cultures (3D neural cultures) present spontaneous synchronized, readily detectable calcium oscillations. This advanced neural platform was optimized for high-throughput screening in 384-well plates and displays highly consistent, functional performance across different wells and plates. Characterization of oscillation profiles in 3D neural cultures was performed through multi-parametric analysis that included the calcium oscillation rate and peak width, amplitude, and waveform irregularities. Cellular and mitochondrial toxicity were assessed by high-content imaging. For assay characterization, we used a set of neuromodulators with known mechanisms of action. We then explored the neurotoxic profile of a library of 87 compounds that included pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, flame retardants, and other chemicals. Our results demonstrated that 57% of the tested compounds exhibited effects in the assay. The compounds were then ranked according to their effective concentrations based on in vitro activity. Our results show that a human iPSC-derived 3D neural culture assay platform is a promising biologically relevant tool to assess the neurotoxic potential of drugs and environmental toxicants.
Contributors: Oksana Sirenko 1 , Frederick Parham 2 , Steven Dea 3 , Neha Sodhi 3 , Steven Biesmans 3 , Sergio Mora-Castilla 3 , Kristen Ryan 2 , Mamta Behl 2 , Grischa Chandy 1 , Carole Crittenden 1 , Sarah Vargas-Hurlston 1 , Oivin Guicherit 3 , Ryan Gordon 3 , Fabian Zanella 3 , Cassiano Carromeu
Go to article - Dated: Sep 01, 2018Publication Name: Assay and Drug Development Technologies
High-Content Assay Multiplexing for Muscle Toxicity Screening in Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Skeletal Myoblasts
This study set out to develop a high-throughput multiplexed assay using iPSC-derived skeletal myoblasts that can be used as a first-pass screen to assess the potential for chemicals to affect skeletal muscle. We found that cytotoxicity and cytoskeletal integrity are most useful and reproducible assays for the skeletal myoblasts when evaluating… View moreThis study set out to develop a high-throughput multiplexed assay using iPSC-derived skeletal myoblasts that can be used as a first-pass screen to assess the potential for chemicals to affect skeletal muscle. We found that cytotoxicity and cytoskeletal integrity are most useful and reproducible assays for the skeletal myoblasts when evaluating overall cellular health or gauging disruptions in actin polymerization following 24 h of exposure. Both assays are based on high-content imaging and quantitative image processing to derive quantitative phenotypes. Both assays showed good to excellent assay robustness and reproducibility measured by interplate and interday replicability, coefficients of variation of negative controls, and Z′-factors for positive control chemicals. Concentration response assessment of muscle-related toxicants showed specificity of the observed effects compared to the general cytotoxicity. Overall, this study establishes a high-throughput multiplexed assay using skeletal myoblasts that may be used for screening and prioritization of chemicals for more complex tissue chip-based and in vivo evaluation.
- Dated: Aug 01, 2017Publication Name: Assay and Drug Development Technologies
Phenotypic Assays for Characterizing Compound Effects on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Spheroids
Development of more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive cell-based assays for compound screening is a major challenge in drug discovery. The focus of this study was to establish high-throughput compatible three-dimensional (3D) cardiotoxicity assays using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Using both high-… View moreDevelopment of more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive cell-based assays for compound screening is a major challenge in drug discovery. The focus of this study was to establish high-throughput compatible three-dimensional (3D) cardiotoxicity assays using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Using both high-content imaging and fast kinetic fluorescence imaging, the impact of various compounds on the beating rates and patterns of cardiac spheroids was monitored by changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels with calcium-sensitive dyes. Advanced image analysis methods were implemented to provide multiparametric characterization of the Ca2+ oscillation patterns. In addition, we used confocal imaging and 3D analysis methods to characterize compound effects on the morphology of 3D spheroids. This phenotypic assay allows for the characterization of parameters such as beating frequency, amplitude, peak width, rise and decay times, as well as cell viability and morphological characteristics. A set of 22 compounds, including a number of known cardioactive and cardiotoxic drugs, was assayed at different time points, and the calculated EC50 values for compound effects were compared between 3D and two-dimensional (2D) model systems. A significant concordance in the phenotypes was observed for compound effects between the two models, but essential differences in the concentration responses and time dependencies of the compound-induced effects were observed. Together, these results indicate that 3D cardiac spheroids constitute a functionally distinct biological model system from traditional flat 2D cultures.In conclusion, we have demonstrated that phenotypic assays using 3D model systems are enabled for screening and suitable for cardiotoxicity assessment in vitro.
Contributors: Oksana Sirenko, Michael K. Hancock, Carole Crittenden, Matthew Hammer, Sean Keating, Coby B. Carlson, and Grischa Chandy
Go to article - Dated: Sep 01, 2016Publication Name: ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies
Phenotypic Characterization of Toxic Compound Effects on Liver Spheroids Derived from iPSC Using Confocal Imaging and Three-Dimensional Image Analysis
Cell models are becoming more complex to better mimic the in vivo environment and provide greater predictivity for compound efficacy and toxicity. There is an increasing interest in exploring the use of three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling developmental and tissue biology with the goal of accelerating translational research in these areas… View moreCell models are becoming more complex to better mimic the in vivo environment and provide greater predictivity for compound efficacy and toxicity. There is an increasing interest in exploring the use of three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling developmental and tissue biology with the goal of accelerating translational research in these areas. Accordingly, the development of high-throughput quantitative assays using 3D cultures is an active area of investigation. In this study, we have developed and optimized methods for the formation of 3D liver spheroids derived from human iPS cells and used those for toxicity assessment. We used confocal imaging and 3D image analysis to characterize cellular information from a 3D matrix to enable a multi-parametric comparison of different spheroid phenotypes. The assay enables characterization of compound toxicities by spheroid size (volume) and shape, cell number and spatial distribution, nuclear characterization, number and distribution of cells expressing viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial potential, and viability marker intensities. In addition, changes in the content of live, dead, and apoptotic cells as a consequence of compound exposure were characterized. We tested 48 compounds and compared induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes and HepG2 cells in both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cultures. We observed significant differences in the pharmacological effects of compounds across the two cell types and between the different culture conditions. Our results indicate that a phenotypic assay using 3D model systems formed with human iPSC-derived hepatocytes is suitable for high-throughput screening and can be used for hepatotoxicity assessment in vitro.
Contributors: Oksana Sirenko, Michael K. Hancock, Jayne Hesley, Dihui Hong, Avrum Cohen, Jason Gentry, Coby B. Carlson, and David A. Mann
Go to article - Dated: Mar 01, 2016Publication Name: Methods
High-throughput imaging: Focusing in on drug discovery in 3D
3D organotypic culture models such as organoids and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are becoming more widely used for drug discovery and toxicology screening. As a result, 3D culture technologies adapted for high-throughput screening formats are prevalent. While a multitude of assays have been reported and validated for high-throughput… View more3D organotypic culture models such as organoids and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are becoming more widely used for drug discovery and toxicology screening. As a result, 3D culture technologies adapted for high-throughput screening formats are prevalent. While a multitude of assays have been reported and validated for high-throughput imaging (HTI) and high-content screening (HCS) for novel drug discovery and toxicology, limited HTI/HCS with large compound libraries have been reported. Nonetheless, 3D HTI instrumentation technology is advancing and this technology is now on the verge of allowing for 3D HCS of thousands of samples. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art high-throughput imaging systems, including hardware and software, and recent literature examples of 3D organotypic culture models employing this technology for drug discovery and toxicology screening.
Related Products & Services of ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System

Advanced Cloud-Based Analytics with StratoMineR
Increase efficiency and throughput with cloud-based advanced analytics

Cellular Imaging Systems
Transform your incredible images into captivating results
Expand your research using flexible, high-performance imaging solutions
Molecular Devices provides flexible options for the ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System to meet your research needs and to easily capture images from different sample formats, including hanging drops and in round or flat bottom plates, for monitoring cell health kinetics under environmental control, and more. With over 30+ years of imaging expertise, we can help you select the right options to ensure the best images for your assay.
Standard hardware options
Water immersion objectives
20X, 40X, and 60X water immersion objectives improve the geometric accuracy during acquisition and reduce light refraction for brighter intensity at lower exposure times.
Transmitted light tower
Our transmitted light tower enables acquisition of high contrast images for unstained cells which can be easily viewed or separated from background.
Environmental Control
Environmental control maintains temperature and humidity levels while minimizing evaporation for multi-day, live cell, time-lapse imaging.
On-board robotic fluidics
Integrated fluidics automates assay workflows which require compound addition, well washing, and media exchange.
Customization options
Molecular Devices can successfully tailor the ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System to include customized software and hardware including the features described below, as well as integration of other lab components such as incubators, liquid handlers, and robotics for a fully automated workcell. With over 30 years of experience in the life science industry, you can count on us to deliver quality products and provide worldwide support.
Sale is subject to our Custom Product Purchase Terms available at www.moleculardevices.com/custom-products-purchase-terms
High-Intensity lasers
Expand experiment capabilities with 5- or 7-channel high-intensity lasers.
Real-time dose response
Automatic pipettor enables compound addition while simultaneously live streaming at >100 frames per second.
Deep tissue penetrating confocal disk module
The deep tissue penetrating, confocal disk module reduces crosstalk to improve out-of-focus light suppression and penetrate deeper into tissue.
Turnkey, High-throughput long term kinetics
Schedule and image multiple plates over long periods of time while keeping consistent temperature, O2 (Hypoxia), CO2, and humidity conditions. Expand live cell walk-away capacity to 200+ plates.
Scale up robotic automation
Increase throughput, eliminate human errors, maintain sterility, and achieve consistent sample handling. Modular automation design—components can be added in modules and are upgradeable.

High-intensity Lasers
High output laser excitation can reduce exposure times by up to 75%.† The laser light source is available as either a 5-channel or 7-channel light source with outputs of 400 —1,000 mW/channel. The 7-channel laser light source Includes near IR and is ideal for customers with increased multiplexing requirements.
- Obtain sharper images with higher signal-to-noise
- Generate up to a 2X† boost in scan speed attributed to significantly reduced exposure times
- Run FRET experiments using lasers for CFP and YFP


Images taken at the same exposure.

Deep Tissue Penetrating, Confocal Disk Module
Specialized deep tissue penetrating, confocal disk module, combined with a laser light source, improves light penetrance for deeper tissue penetration, resulting in sharper images with improved resolution when imaging thick tissue samples†.
- Improve suppression of out-of-focus light
- Reduce haze (pinhole crosstalk)
- Penetrate deeper into thick tissue samples for sharper images


Images taken at the same exposure.
†Data and images were acquired during development using customer samples. Results may vary. Highlighted features’ price, time to deliver, and specifications will vary based on mutually agreed technical requirements. Solution requirements may cause adjustment to standard performance.
Featured Applications

3D Cell Imaging and Analysis
Three-dimensional (3D) cell models are physiologically relevant and more closely represent tissue…

Cancer Research
Cancer researchers need tools that enable them to more easily study the complex and often poorly…

Cell Counting
Cell counting is fundamental and critical to numerous biological experiments. Assays such as drug…

Cell Migration Assays
The movement or migration of cells is often measured in vitro to elucidate the mechanisms of…

Cells in Extracellular Matrices
One common way of culturing cells in three dimensional space is through the use of extracellular…

COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Research
Here we've addressed common applications in infectious disease research including cell line…

Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is the study of cellular structure and function in living cells via microscopy.…

Neurite Outgrowth / Neurite Tracing
Neurons create connections via extensions of their cellular body called processes. This biological…

Organoid technology / Organ-on-a-Chip
Organoid technology, like organ-on-a-chip emulates organ physiology though co-culture of cells in a…

Spheroids
Spheroids are multi-cellular 3D structures that mimic in vivo cell responses and interactions. They…

Stem Cell Research
Pluripotent stem cells can be used for studies in developmental biology or differentiated as a…

Toxicity Screening
Screening for off-target or toxic effects is very important during the development of new drugs and…
Customer Breakthrough


SUCCESS STORY
Visikol team develops 3D cell culture models to simulate the NASH and NAFLD disease progression process using ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System and MetaXpress software
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?
I’d like to…
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?
I’d like to…