Automated selection and collection of pluripotent stem cell colonies using the CellCelectorTM

The ability of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to differentiate into specialized cells of all three germ layers (pluripotency), their capability for unlimited cell division (self-renewal) and their amenability to genetic modification provide fascinating prospects for the The technology The patented CellCelector is a multifunctional automated robotic system combining sophisticated imaging software with highprecision but gentle collection of single cells and cell colonies (Fig. 1). The collection process is supported by an inverted microscope that offers phase-contrast and brightfield observation as well as fluorescence illumination. The CellCelector’s working process can be divided into three independent steps: imaging, collection and documentation. Each scanning process runs according to predefined parameters such as cell size, morphology, spectral features, intensities or shape to achieve an optimized detection of the cells of interest. This setting dialog can be easily customized for individual applications. The CellCelector provides a quality check of the selected cells at any time via live imaging that is supported by a special motorized stage (manufactured by AVISO). The collection process itself is based on a direct, noninvasive mechanical aspiration process without any need for proteolytic digestion or other pretreatment of cells or colonies. The CellCelector uses two different kinds of application modules for collection: the scrape module uses specially manufactured autoclavable stainless steel capillaries (available diameters, 300–1,000 μm), and the single-cell module uses borosilicate glass capillaries (available diameters, 50–220 μm). The entire process from imaging to collection is documented via real-time images and via a corresponding particle result list, which contains all predefined settings and filing positions. The CellCelector software translates result lists into user-defined graphics and allows export of numerical data to standard analysis packages. Automated selection and collection of pluripotent stem cell colonies using the CellCelectorTM