An Open-Source Framework for Automated High-Throughput Cell Biology Experiments

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Ola M. Shehata¹  Andrew A. Peden¹  Jianbo Zhou¹  Anton Nikolaev¹  Ashley Cadby²  Pavel Katunin⁴ 

[1] Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom;Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom;Fresco Labs, London, United Kingdom;Information Technologies and Programming Faculty, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia;

关键词: imaging;    automation;    calcium imaging;    immunolabeling;    open-source hardware;    high-throughput;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fcell.2021.697584

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Modern data analysis methods, such as optimization algorithms or deep learning have been successfully applied to a number of biotechnological and medical questions. For these methods to be efficient, a large number of high-quality and reproducible experiments needs to be conducted, requiring a high degree of automation. Here, we present an open-source hardware and low-cost framework that allows for automatic high-throughput generation of large amounts of cell biology data. Our design consists of an epifluorescent microscope with automated XY stage for moving a multiwell plate containing cells and a perfusion manifold allowing programmed application of up to eight different solutions. Our system is very flexible and can be adapted easily for individual experimental needs. To demonstrate the utility of the system, we have used it to perform high-throughput Ca2+ imaging and large-scale fluorescent labeling experiments.

【 授权许可】

Unknown