CYTOO has acquired a thorough know-how on designing and producing the most adequate micropatterns for various cell types (primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines) and applications. Through the mastering of the key parameters for micropatterning and the identification of the appropriate culture conditions of cells, we are able to develop more physiological cellular models.

Based on such innovative cellular models, novel visual read-outs and assays are developed. The Company has the internal capacity to develop custom image analysis algorithms and software. Every assay developed by CYTOO is fully compatible with High Content Screening and High Content Analysis.

At CYTOO, we are dedicated to have our customers benefit from our know-how for their cell-based assay development needs. For years, we have accumulated experience in micropatterning ca. 200 different cell types for over 100 different applications and developing even more read-outs.

Micropatterning: a unique asset

Each cell type and each application require specific micropatterning and culture conditions to establish the right cellular model and read-out for the desired assay. The shape, the size and the density of the micropatterns, the adhesion molecule, as well as the cell density, influence the way the genome is transcribed, the cells are going to divide, assemble, polarize, fuse, differentiate or mature. We own a collection of over 500 micropatterns that is ready to be used or screened, and have the capacity to design and manufacture custom micropatterns in 8 weeks of time.

Our success rate in micropatterning a specific cell type for a desired application is close to 80% given a 3 month time frame.

Read-outs: where phenotype meets innovation

Our most thorough expertise lies in visual read-outs including live cell imaging. We have performed many phenotypic screens looking at various morphological parameters (contractility, elasticity, motility, beating, fusion index, sarcomere alignment, cell junctions, roundness, tube width…) and multiplexed protein expression (transporter translocation, functional and maturation markers, mitochondrial network, actin cytoskeleton, microtubules, cell junctions…).

Since the cellular models we develop have a greater physiological significance, novel morphological parameters and functional markers can be scrutinized. Thus, at CYTOO, we are used to explore novel cellular models: our image analysis script development team is second to none in bringing innovation to read-outs.

Cell-based assay development: Z prime, period!

The use of reference compounds to evaluate the Z’ factor of the assay under development is quite early in our CBA development process. After a first screening of micropatterns, a few are selected and several image read-outs are measured. Since micropatterning standardizes morphology, interwell CVs can be very low. Early assay windows are measured with reference compounds before the final micropattern is known and before the final culture conditions of the cellular model are established. Further assay development steps will then run back and forth between cellular model fine tuning and assay window assessment.

Our know-how is unique. So is your project. Let’s discuss about it and let us make you successful in having your physiological cell-based assay “ready for High Content Screening”!