Live cell analyzer

Contracting authority is publishing direct award notice for 'Live cell analyzer'.

BACKGROUND INFO The cell and tissue infrastructure at Tampere university would like to integrate a Live Cell Analyzer within the cell and tissue core facility. In this context, live cell imaging instrument would be used for real-time monitoring and analysis of live cells and tissue in culture in a laboratory setting with minimal perturbation. Automated imaging, data acquisition and analysis enables sophisticated tracking and quantification of cellular responses in real-time, without moving the cells and tissue from their environment. Such non-invasive approach can ensure maintaining the natural conditions and physiological relevance to study several properties including but not limited to cells and tissue organoids proliferation, cell death, and drug response. NEED The instrument should have the following specifications: - Enclosed system to avoid light exposure when incubator opened; - Robust application suite; - Multi-user, multi-application support through remote network capability and unlimited user licenses for a stable software that would allow all types of basic and more sophisticated analyses; - Two-color Green|Red plus HD phase contrast imaging; - 4X, 10X, 20X objectives on an automated turret; - Support for interchangeable vessel trays and over a wide amount of vessels, compatible with flask, dishes, slides and microplates – e.g. six to ten microplates in parallel; - Analysis of mixed cell populations with ability to do label-free counting; - Labeled and label-free neurite dynamics analysis; - Sophisticated 3D-imaging allowing spheroid/organoid imaging in multiple focal planes with automated 3D projections; - Moving imaging stage on stationary cell vessels to ensure optimal conditions for sensitive cells throughout the imaging period; - Auto-focus. The instrument should offer researchers a comprehensive solution to gain deep insights into cell behavior, proliferation, migration, differentiation and other dynamic processes over extended periods (weeks or months). - The instrument should allow automated data acquisition and analysis, with minimal hands on. - The instrument should allow to perform a wide range of assays, including cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell migration, among others. - High-quality images and powerful analysis software should allow for precise cell segmentation and tracking, delivering accurate and reliable results. - Raw data should also be freely available to the users, at any point in time. - The system should offer customizable features, enabling researchers to tailor their experimental setups to specific requirements. The Instrument should be suitable for various applications, from basic cell biology research to drug discovery and toxicology studies. - The instrument should be compatible with utilization at the faculty MET teaching, e.g. in Biotechnology teaching/Cell Technology, without impacting in the current ongoing research. To be able to provide this type of solution, the software should accommodate the entire user workflow with a single, networked software package that leverages a simple to use, guided user Interface. New users should typically start setting up experiments independently and, after just one training session, proceed with visual inspection, automated analysis, and publication-ready graph generation. The base software package should includes all the essential tools for automated image acquisition, image viewing, and fundamental analysis of 2D cultures. This includes label-free confluency measurements and simple cell counting using fluorescent markers. More advanced analysis tools should also be available and not limited to a confluence analysis tool, which accurately calculates cell confluence (%) by generating and optimizing an analysis mask across various cell types with minimal user input. Image processing and analysis post-acquisition should also be available with the basic software to easily adjust parameters in an iterative manner to refine their analysis mask. Additionally, analysis definitions should be reproducible in subsequent analyses, enabling quick and consistent analysis of future replicates or similar cell types. For more advanced applications, specialized add-on modules streamline complex assay workflows should also be available including organoids and spheroids which typically provide only a generic image analysis toolbox, requiring users to engineer their own solutions. Software should provides essential compliance features, including electronic record-keeping, traceability, security, user management, electronic signatures, and standardized comments. More Requirements of the system: • The system should be able to do 3D imaging at high resolution and high speed • Software should allow to independently schedule for analyses • Images should be acquired by camera only with no laser to avoid crosslinking of molecules or cell damage. • Analyses should be performed at any time and entirely after the experiment is run. • Physical movement of tissue/cells subjects should be minimal, to shear stress and movement of 3D objects or loosely attached 2D cultures that can impact experiment consistency and data robustness. MARKET ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD Market research and pricing scouting has been conducted by searching information about commercially available Systems and the Incucyte S3 has emerged has the leading instrument within the market at the moment to respond to the mentioned requirements above, and at a very competivie price. The Incucyte has a robust software with unlimited users capabilities and use that no other instruments seem to provide. The Incucyte software accommodates the entire user workflow with a single, networked software package that leverages a simple to use, guided user Interface. New users can typically start setting up experiments independently and, after just one training session, proceed with visual inspection, automated analysis, and publication-ready graph generation. The base software package includes all the essential tools for automated image acquisition, image viewing, and fundamental analysis of 2D cultures. This includes label-free confluency measurements and simple cell counting using fluorescent markers. A key feature of the base software is the AI Confluence Analysis, which accurately calculates cell confluence (%) by generating an analysis mask across various cell types with minimal user input. Since image processing and analysis occur post-acquisition, users can easily adjust parameters in an iterative manner to refine their analysis mask. Additionally, analysis definitions can be saved, enabling quick and consistent analysis of future replicates or similar cell types. For more advanced applications, specialized add-on modules streamline complex assay workflows—an approach distinct from other systems, which typically provide only a generic image analysis toolbox, requiring users to engineer their own solutions. Mention of a lockout spec is a need with the ability to do 21 CFR part 11 compliance as no other system can do. The Incucyte 21 CFR Part 11 Software Module provides essential compliance features, including electronic record-keeping, traceability, security, user management, electronic signatures, and standardized comments. The cell-by-cell software can enables a range of applications for mixed cultures of adherent or non-adherent cells. Perform label free cell counts on adherent or non-adherent cells and subsequent cell-by-cell classification based on shape, size or fluorescence intensity to quantify dynamic changes in subpopulations within a mixed culture. These are among the main reasons for choosing the Incucyte S3 for direct procurement.