Automation and Image-Based Analysis of a Hanging Drop MicroHole Plate Model to Create and Differentiate 3D Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids for Downstream Tissue Formation

4 Apr 2017

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have recently emerged as a leading candidate in cellular therapies due to their unique properties. This application note demonstrates the ability to automate the steps necessary to place hMSCs into microplate inserts, track spheroid formation, and monitor spheroids during differentiation into chondrocyte lineages.

Links

Tags

Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.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.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers 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.hMSCAutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly 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. 3D Imaging3D imaging technologies allow for the visualization and analysis of three-dimensional structures at high resolution. These systems are used in fields like molecular biology, material science, and medical diagnostics. 3D imaging can be applied to visualize cells, tissues, and organs, providing valuable insights into their structure and function. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best 3D imaging solutions, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.SpheroidsSpheroids are clusters of cells that have been grown in 3D culture to be used as <i>in vitro</i> model systems. These 3D microtissues can be used for toxicology testing, DMPK studies and many other applications involving cell analysis.Cell CultureCell culture involves growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, to study cellular behavior, drug response, and disease models. Cell culture is crucial in biotechnology and biomedical research. Explore cell culture products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.