The physical cytometer W8 is the only automated platform capable of providing a label-free biophysical characterization of three-dimensional cell cultures such as spheroids or organoids. The technology, conceived by CellDynamics, measures the size, weight and mass density of said three-dimensional objects, coupling image tracking analysis with gravimetric theory. The instrument is capable of performing the sorting of 2 subpopulations, based on the previously mentioned parameters, all this preserving sample sterility and viability. These physical parameters acquire an applicative relevance that ranges from 3D Cell Culture standardization to compactness correlated readouts, from monitoring permeation activities to the evaluation of drug effectiveness, and more.

This approach permits overcoming several limitations of the current microscopy techniques, opening new perspectives in the field of label-free applications.

Specifically, Tomocube holotomographic microscopy uses optical diffraction tomography (ODT), which allows microscopists to investigate quantitatively and non-invasively on biological cells and tissues, tush avoiding the use of fluorochromes and lasers that could induce phototoxicity phenomena within the sample. ODT reconstructs the distributions of the 3D refractive index of living cells and, in doing so, provides structural and biochemical information about the cell, including the dry mass, morphology and dynamics of the cell membrane.

The DeepSIM is designed to work with samples of thicknesses comparable to those used in confocal microscopy, giving super-resolved data over 50µm Z in depth in non-clarified samples.

This means that more meaningful data can be obtained from native heterogeneous complex samples using routine preparation protocols. DeepSIM enables the effortless study of live-cell dynamics through a temporal resolution greater than 10fps (1024×1024 px FOV), allowing biological changes to be tracked at cellular and subcellular levels.