Groundbreaking Innovation in Cell Screening
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., located in Hamamatsu City, Japan, has introduced a groundbreaking tool for cell analysis, the CYTOQUBE Light-Sheet Microplate Cytometer. This cutting-edge device integrates light-sheet optics with advanced image analysis, providing a rapid and user-friendly system ideal for 3D cell screening assays. This advanced technology is designed to significantly improve the precision and effectiveness of cellular assays, particularly within the drug discovery sector.
Enhancing Drug Discovery with CYTOQUBE
Drug screening is a crucial step in evaluating the efficacy and safety of new drug candidates. Traditional 2D cell culture assays, though well-established, often lack in vivo relevance, which can impact the accuracy of drug screening outcomes. The CYTOQUBE addresses this limitation by offering a sophisticated approach to 3D cell imaging. This device is engineered to capture high-resolution 3D fluorescence images of multi-well cell culture plates, facilitating a more accurate analysis of cell size, shape, number, and colour/intensity.
Unmatched Imaging Capabilities
The CYTOQUBE utilises light-sheet microscopy in conjunction with Hamamatsu’s exclusive Zyncscan image processing technology to deliver high-resolution and swift imaging capabilities. The system illuminates cells in a microplate from below with light-sheet excitation, capturing XZ tomographic images using a scientific CMOS camera. The detection system is strategically positioned at an oblique angle to both the illumination and sample, allowing for continuous acquisition of XZ tomographic images. This method constructs a comprehensive 3D fluorescence image in a single scan, significantly enhancing the speed and accuracy of cell analysis.
Improving Drug Screening Efficiency
In the realm of drug discovery, the CYTOQUBE’s capability to rapidly acquire 3D image data is a game changer. The journey of drug development, from the initial target discovery to the ultimate product approval, can extend over 12 to 15 years, presenting both high risks and potential rewards. Classic 2D assays, while efficient, do not fully replicate in vivo conditions. To address this gap, researchers are increasingly adopting 3D cultures of spheroids or organoids, which more closely model real physiological environments. However, 3D cultures are more challenging to assay due to the complexity of 3D imaging. The CYTOQUBE’s fast 3D imaging capability can significantly streamline this process, making it a valuable tool for enhancing the efficiency of drug screening and opening new avenues for cellular assays.
Principles of Operation
The CYTOQUBE’s innovative design is centred around its light-sheet optical system and Zyncscan technology. Cells within the microplate are illuminated with light-sheet excitation from below. The system captures XZ tomographic images using a CMOS camera, with detection mechanisms positioned at an oblique angle to the illumination. The CYTOQUBE creates a comprehensive 3D fluorescence image in a single scan by shifting the microplate in relation to the light-sheet illumination. Additionally, the CYTOQUBE software efficiently removes unwanted background fluorescence in real time, enhancing signal clarity and accuracy.
Upcoming Exhibitions
The CYTOQUBE will be showcased at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association, scheduled from September 19th to 21st, 2024. Following this, the device will be presented at various conferences across the United States and Europe throughout the coming year, highlighting its potential impact on the field of cell analysis and drug discovery.
Hamamatsu Photonics continues to lead innovation in imaging technology, and the CYTOQUBE represents a significant advancement in the way researchers approach 3D cell analysis, paving the way for more effective and efficient drug discovery processes.
