The IncuCyte S3/Organoid platform for live cell culture imaging and kinetic multiparameter analysis of state-of-the-art 3D organoid models and complex tissue mimics

The impressive capacity of state-of-the-art 3D organoid models to reproduce organ biology and pathology in a dish is revolutionizing the field of human research. Organoids are 3D cell constructions that in vitro self-develop from tissue or pluripotent stem cells, thereby creating ‘mini-organ’ replicas. Organoids have opened up exciting avenues to unravel stem cell and regenerative biology, tissue homeostasis and disease mechanisms. In particular, organoids have immense potential to model human embryogenesis, organ development and diseases, thereby holding great promise for drug discovery and screening. However, organoid research bumps against boundaries because of the current low-throughput read-out modes, typically limited to end-point organoid-destructive assays. A non-invasive, real-time live cell culture imaging, monitoring and analyzing system, up-scalable to high-throughput, is truly needed. The IncuCyte S3, in combination with the Organoid Analysis Module, fulfills these pressing needs. The applicants, as well as many other (organoid-oriented) research groups at KU Leuven, will significantly benefit from the acquisition of this new highly performant platform.

Keywords:Organoids, Disease modeling, Drug screening, IncuCyte S3/Organoid platform, Stem cells, Early human development

Disciplines:Stem cell biology, Developmental biology, Tissue engineering, Reproductive medicine, Developmental neuroscience