Device to remove dead cells from cultures generated using cryopreserved preparations.

Primary neuronal cultures obtained from cryopreserved preparations are typically contaminated with dead cells killed by freezing/thawing. These dead cells represent a problem as they release proinflammatory cytokines, ATP, heat-shock proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, all of which compromise viability of surviving cells. Further, the dead cells greatly limit usability of these cultures in cell imaging applications and particularly in the assays that are focused on the effects of drugs on cell viability, as it is hard to determine whether a cell was killed by a drug or the cell was already dead at the time the drug was applied.

Spot Cells LLC develops a device that makes it possible to selectively remove the dead cells from cultures generated using cryopreserved preparations. The images above show the same microscopic field with murine primary cortical neurons at day in vitro (DIV)1-8. A prototype device was used on DIV1. Note that all dead cells visible in the “before” picture disappeared from the “after” picture. The dead cells got removed while healthy cells continued to grow.

The device to remove dead cells from the cultures is being developed and optimized and, therefore, it is not yet available commercially.

For inquiries please contact  spotcells@gmail.com.