Introduction:

Live cell imaging of cell-based assays provides various output parameters at highest content. However, due to the enormous amount of data, manual image analysis can often be very time-consuming and demands high levels of computing power. This is especially true for high-throughput analyses, where researchers frequently have to find a compromise between imaging quality and analysis depth.

Over the last few years, machine learning-based methods have markedly improved the microscopic analysis of high-throughput assays. However, current standard 2D cell-based assays often involve nearly confluent cell layers, where overlapping and migrating cells can impair machine-based analysis on a single cell level. Furthermore, in 3D live cell imaging assays the localization of spheroids or organoids over time is difficult due to their lack of immobilization.

The ibidi Micropatterning technology enables spatially defined cell adhesion for various 2D and 3D cell culture applications. Miniaturized adhesive patterns are irreversibly printed on a fully passivated coverslip, allowing for the precisely controlled adhesion of single cells or cell aggregates. This facilitates high-resolution optical analysis. Additionally, assays can be combined with defined shear stress, metabolite analysis, toxicological screenings, or co-culture of multiple cell and spheroid types.

In summary, the ibidi Micropatterning technology enables high throughput cell-based assays that combine high-resolution microscopy with machine-based image analysis.