Real-time live cell imaging revolutionizes tumor organoid research

Tumor organoids have emerged as a powerful model system, facilitating a deeper understanding of the biology of cancer microenvironments. Yet, conventional imaging methods used to analyze organoids introduce variables that compromise data quality.

As cancer rates rise globally, researchers are under pressure to find more predictive and scalable preclinical models. Unfortunately, traditional 2D and animal models often fail to reflect the complexity of human tumors truly. This has led to a surge of interest in organoid technology, miniaturized cell structures that mimic real tumors more closely than ever before. However, for these systems to materialize its potential, scientists need advanced imaging technologies that don’t interfere with the microenvironments they are studying.

A new era in cancer modeling

Dr. Li Zhenzua, a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, shares how the Countstar Spica M1 from ALIT LifeTech enables real-time imaging and AI-powered analysis directly within incubators, enhancing throughput, reproducibility, and experimental integrity.

Zhenzua’s research aims to enhance our understanding of thetumor micro-environment, tumor organoids, and their clinical applications. “Tumor organoids preserve the genetic background of tumor tissues in vivo and have demonstrated high specificity in drug sensitivity testing according to previous studies. Therefore, they hold great potential for future clinical applications in cancer treatment,” explains Zhenzua. “Moreover, in basic cancer research, they more accurately reflect real in-vivo conditions compared to traditional cell lines.”

The imaging challenge in organoid research

Zhenzua has encountered many challenges when analyzing organoids, particularly due to their 3D structure. “Since organoids are cultured in 3D, it is quite challenging to perform long-term tracking, imaging, and cell counting using conventional microscopy techniques,” Zhenzua explains.

Like most researchers, Zhenzua used to analyze organoids under a microscope outside an incubator and performed data analysis manually. Unfortunately, this approach introduces disturbances in the organoids and limits the throughput and reproducibility of the experiments. This is especially impactful when considering that the growth of organoids must be monitored under optimal culture conditions for extended periods.

While other high-end live cell imaging systems have been considered alternatives to traditional microscopy, they often fall short in maintaining environmental stability and are also cost-prohibitive. Subsequently, Zhenzua identified Countstar Spica M1 as an optimal solution, due to its combination of performance, affordability, and incubation stability, which are critical for long-term experiments and high-throughput settings.
By using Countstar Spica M1, Zhenzua has been able to perform non-disruptive, continuous monitoring of tumor organoids in 3D matrigel inside the incubator.

The system’s ultrafast Z-stacking technology captures clear, multi-layered images, whilst AI algorithms automatically detect, count, and analyze the organoid structure. Overall, this reduces manual user intervention, time, and potential error.

“As we can use the Spica M1 directly inside the incubator, our organoids can be cultured in a highly stable environment,” says Zhenzua. “In addition, it is equipped with various AI-powered functions, which are extremely practical.” This provides Zhenzua’s team with high-resolution, real-time data on organoid growth and morphology, which are key indicators of health, drug response, and disease progression.

The Countstar Spica M1 is designed for automated live-cell imaging and quantitative analysis of 3D cell models like tumor organoids. Its core features include:

• In-incubator imaging to preserve culture conditions
• Ultrafast Z-stacking for sharp 3D image capture
• AI-powered image processing for object recognition, labeling, and measurement
• Automated growth monitoring and real-time data visualization

Explore the features of this advanced live cell analysis system designed for both 2D cell cultures and 3D organoids.

The future of organoid research

The future of tumor organoid research is bright, with researchers in both academic and industry labs now able to incorporate high-throughput, reproducible workflows that meet clinical research standards. The addition of technologies like Countstar Spica M1 gives scientists the ability to reliably culture and analyze organoids, opening doors to precision oncology, drug screening, and longitudinal studies, which have previously been riddled with bottlenecks. “The efficiency and affordability are the most important advantages of the Spica M1,” concludes Zhenzua. “Looking to the future, it will enable more advanced cancer patients to receive and benefit from precise treatment , which will be truly exciting.”

Explore more of the latest news, reviews, and resources in our Accelerating Cancer Research Feature here.