The LiveCell Array Microscope slide is an easy-to-use, convenient and inexpensive technology that can be used to image individual cells (non-adherent or adherent) over time and under various, controlled conditions. It is a high content analysis tool which is compatible with standard microscopes, and “off-the-shelf” imaging software. The regular spacing of the picoliter sized wells, combined with a 0′0″ location mark, enable researchers to re-locate a specific cell of interest, even if the slide has been removed from the microscope for short-term incubation or processing. Cell biologists can utilize this unique “honey comb” design to examine heterogeneity within cell populations and obtain kinetic data from asynchronous cells.
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Abbreviated Protocol
Harvest and wash cells by centrifugation at 500g for five to ten minutes at room temperature and discard the supernatant. Resuspend the cells in Phosphate Buffered Saline solution (PBS) or media to the desired concentration. Proper dilution will ensure the correct loading concentration which is determined by the size of the picowell and experimental conditions. Apply 2 µl of cell suspension to the array using a pipette. Wait for approximately 5 minutes to allow the cells to settle into the picowells by sedimentation.
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Pull the cover slip carefully over the sample. Apply PBS to the edge of the cover slip. This initiates the capillary action which draws the PBS and subsequent reagents (stains, dyes, toxins, drugs or buffers) into the slide. The flow of reagents does not disturb the location of the cells within the picowells. Acquire images using either an upright or inverted microscope.
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Further information on the NUNC LiveCell Array including scientific resources and publications are available online at Web site (external).
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