Applications

Discover Our Latest Application Notes Featuring the CellASIC™ ONIX Microfluidic Platform



In-plate immunocytochemistry using anti-cytokeratin 19, an intracellular protein, in fixed and permeabilized PC-3 cells. Scale bar = 100 µm..
In-plate immunocytochemistry using anti-cytokeratin 19, an intracellular protein, in fixed and permeabilized PC-3 cells. Scale bar = 100 µm.
Long-term Cell Culture and In-Plate Staining:
Demonstration of long-term culture and in-plate staining protocols using the CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform

Long-term Cell Culture and In-Plate Staining: We demonstrate the long-term culture of multiple cell lines using automated perfusion protocols. We also provide step-by-step guides for live/dead staining and automated immunostaining of cells within the microfluidic plate, which saves time and conserves antibodies and staining reagents.

Images of (A) an invasive strain and (B) a non-invasive strain of E. coli after exposure to human HT-29 cells, washout, and perfusion culture. Bacteria expressed mCherry, and HT-29 cells stained with Calcein AM. Panel (A) was acquired with a 100X objective lens, and panel (B) was acquired with a 60X objective lens.
Images of (A) an invasive strain and (B) a non-invasive strain of E. coli after exposure to human HT-29 cells, washout, and perfusion culture. Bacteria expressed mCherry, and HT-29 cells stained with Calcein AM. Panel (A) was acquired with a 100X objective lens, and panel (B) was acquired with a 60X objective lens.
Host Pathogen:
Long term, live cell imaging of host-pathogen interactions using the CellASIC ONIX System

The CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic System is well suited for host-pathogen studies by providing a stable, long term culture environment for host cells (including primary cells) with controlled pathogen exposure. Here, we demonstrate a host-pathogen experiment using human intestinal cells infected with engineered E. coli strains. Both an invasive and non-invasive bacterial strain were monitored for long-term infection with time-lapsed imaging up to 24 hours in the CellASIC M04S microfluidic plate.

Comparison of per-cell EGFR expression of MCF-10A cells cultured in the CellASIC ONIX System (M04S plate) vs. in standard Petri dish.
Comparison of per-cell EGFR expression of MCF-10A cells cultured in the CellASIC ONIX System (M04S plate) vs. in standard Petri dish.
Long-Term Cell Culture and Gene Expression Analysis:
Microfluidic perfusion enables long-term cell culture, precise microenvironment control and gene expression analysis

In this study, we used the M04S microfluidic plate to demonstrate long-term culture of adherent cells, to create dynamic solution profiles (media switching and spatial gradient), to immunostain cells within the microfluidic chamber, and to analyze gene expression.

The CellASIC ONIX Microincubator utilizes an innovative recirculating heat exchanger manifold to regulate temperature and gas composition of the microfluidic chambers.
The CellASIC ONIX Microincubator utilizes an innovative recirculating heat exchanger manifold to regulate temperature and gas composition of the microfluidic chambers.
Live Cell Imaging and Hypoxic Culture:
Microincubator for Long-Term, Live Cell Microscopy and Hypoxic Culture

The ability to perform live cell experiments within microfluidic chambers further extends the precision and biological relevance of in vitro studies2. One of the major technical challenges for long term cell imaging is being able to control the temperature, gas composition, and humidity of the cell environment during the course of the experiment. The CellASIC ONIX system can maintain long-term, precise gas and temperature control making it possible to observe live cell response to changes in gas and temperature.

High density seeding of NSCs in a microfluidic chamber under conditions of mild hypoxia causes formation of neurospheres. Shown is a neurosphere formed after 72 hours, stained for Sox2 and nestin expression following 'on-chip' immunostaining protocols.
High density seeding of NSCs in a microfluidic chamber under conditions of mild hypoxia causes formation of neurospheres. Shown is a neurosphere formed after 72 hours, stained for Sox2 and nestin expression following "on-chip" immunostaining protocols.
Rat Neural Stem Cells (NSCs):
ONIX Live Cell Imaging Platform for Neural Stem Cell Microenvironment Control

In this application note, we demonstrate how the CellASIC ONIX microfluidic live cell imaging platform with the microfluidic cell culture devices are capable of multiparametric microenvironment control for NSC studies using EMD Millipore's adult rat hippocampus neural stem cell kit.

After 24 hours, 3D cell clusters were imaged in sharp focus using the CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform. Scale bar = 100 µm.
After 24 hours, 3D cell clusters were imaged in sharp focus using the CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform. Scale bar = 100 µm.
Three-dimensional (3D) Cell Culture:
Three-dimensional culture and assessment of drug-induced cell death using the CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform

We studied drug-induced cell death of 3D cultures of MCF7 cells in Matrigelreg; matrix using automated, perfusion-based microenvironment control as well as using traditional chambered slides. Compared to traditional slides, the CellASIC ONIX platform provided better imaging results while maintaining similar cell morphology and viability.

Tracking migration of individual MDA-MB0231 cells in response to a stable FBS gradient enables quantitation of individual cell speed and directionality.
Tracking migration of individual MDA-MB0231 cells in response to a stable FBS gradient enables quantitation of individual cell speed and directionality.
Cell Migration Analysis:
Automated live cell imaging of cell migration across a microfluidic-controlled chemoattractant gradient

We used the power of long-term, live imaging of cells on a stable, chemoattractant gradient to quantitate the effect of a serum gradient on metastatic breast cancer cell migration, distance, velocity and degree of chemotaxis.

Other Applications of CellASIC Technology: