Device to Hold and Image Cell Culture Flasks and Biodome Technologies

Labware receptacles, such as cell culture flasks or biodomes, are ubiquitous tools in cellular biology research which allow for growing as well as imaging cells. However, many labware receptacles face challenges when trying to image them, such as an inability to lay flat against the stage of a microscope, or to reproducibly place the receptacle in the same location so as to locate and reimage regions of interest.

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed a tool to hold and image labware receptables to allow efficient, reproducible and multiplexed imaging. This tool works with both T25 and T75 cell culture flasks, two of the most common receptacles, as well as biodome receptacles, which were developed in this lab. Further, additional receptacles could be used with this device with minor modifications.

This tool provides a microscope stage replacement or adapter able to controllably position and image labware receptacles, enabling scientists or clinicians to repeatably locate specific regions of interest for imaging or reimaging.

Potential Applications

• Microscope stage replacement or adapter for holding labware receptacles for imaging applications
  • Research
  • Clinical work

Benefits and Advantages

• Enables efficient and reproducible imaging of labware receptacles
• Works with common labware receptacles as well as custom receptacle
  • T25 flask, T75 flask, biodome receptacle
  • May also work with other dishes and receptacles
• Holds and positions different types of receptacles to help user repeatably locate specific regions of interest for imaing
• Allows for multiplexed imaging of the biodome unit
• Simple design and manufacturing process