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What is HCS?
High content screening is a high throughput technique that combines automated microscopy, fluorescent detection, and multiparameter algorithms that allow for quick and efficient data processing.
HCS aids in identifying and evaluating potential drug candidates, or compounds for their effect on cells, it also helps assess compound libraires, drug toxicity, and large scale screenings, in order to determine the compounds with specific therapeutic properties.
High Content Imaging (HCI)
High content imaging primarily focuses on the visualization and analysis of individual cellular features, along with parameters at a single-cell level. HCI uses advanced microscopy and fluorescent labelling that captures detailed images of individual cells, allowing for the collection of quantitative data on a variety of cellular characteristics, including cell morphology, protein expression, and subcellular localization.
Crucial to our high content screening support, high content imaging is essential for investigating cellular pathways, protein interactions, and cellular responses to stimuli, which will help you develop a deeper understanding of cellular behavior and their functions.
Applications of High Content Screening (HCS)
Accelerate drug discovery and development with HCS, our capabilities enables target validation, evaluation of cellular parameters, and the ability to identify potential drug candidates and their functional relevance.
Phenotypic Screening
Study observable cellular characteristics, phenotypes, in cells or organisms, facilitating the identification of novel targets and pathways, high content screening can lead to the discovery of novel drug candidates, based on their specific effects on cellular phenotypes.
Toxicology & Assessing Toxicity
Cellular responses to stimuli, such as a potential drugs and chemicals, are measured using HCS assays, this technique acts as a multiparameter assay, enabling the correlation of numerous endpoints. Our high content screening will assist in evaluating the safety and potential toxicity of drug candidates and other compounds, by defining toxic states in cells or tissues.
Disease modelling with high content screening utilises cellular and animal models to imitate disease conditions, and study disease-specific cellular phenotypes and responses. Enabling comprehensive analysis of the effects of potential drug candidates and therapeutic interventions in these disease models, with our HCS service, gain a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of treatments, we will support the development of personalized medicine approaches in your studies.
Cell Types in HCS
The selection of cell types within HCS ensures that accurate and relevant results are received. Different cell models are utilized to accurately mimic biological process and disease states, here are some key cell types that are commonly employed in HCS:
- Immortalized Cell Lines
- Primary Cells
- 3D Cell Cultures
- Stem Cells
- Patient-Derived Cell Lines
- Co-Culture Systems
Every cell type brings distinct advantages and insights that enhance the strength and accuracy of high content screening studies.
HCS with Ichor Life Sciences
By choosing our high content screening services, you will gain an advantage in your research and development efforts. Our HCS approach does not stop at utilizing advanced technologies; we seamlessly integrate them to provide actionable and insightful results for your research.
Versatile Applications: Whether you are involved in innovative drug discovery, detailed phenotypic screening, compound toxicity assessment, or complex disease modelling, our HCS services will cater to your diverse needs. The versality of high content screening makes it an invaluable tool in both academic research and pharmaceutical development, offering insights into the understanding and treatment of diseases.
Customizable Assays: We recognize that each research project is distinct in its nature, which is why we provide a wide selection of customizable cell-based assays. Our proficiency in adapting these assays to match your project’s specifications enables focused and meaningful outcomes, amplifying the overall worth and influence of your research. Whether you require standard assays or something more specialized, our team is prepared to tailor our HCS services to align with your project’s needs.
State-of-the-art Technology: Through a combination of technology, such as automated microscopy, fluorescent detection, and algorithms for multiparameter analysis, we are able to deliver comprehensive and measurable cellular-level insights. Our high content screening capabilities provide precision and accuracy that guarantees high-quality data, so you will be able to make informed decisions in drug development and additional research fields.
Tailored Support: At our core, we are dedicated to ensuring your success by providing more than just advanced tools. Our commitment extends to offering personalized support throughout your project, starting with in-depth consultations to understand your unique research needs. From there, we provide guidance in selecting the most suitable assays and technologies for you to reach your goals, and we continue to provide ongoing support throughout your project’s duration.
Instrumentation
Employing an array of the state-of-the-art instrumentation, our high content screening services provide simultaneous and precise analysis of multiple cellular parameters:
Operetta CLS:
The powerful hardware of the Operetta CLS, a high throughput microplate reader, is coupled with advanced data analysis modules, and proprietary machine learning technology, that makes the features of the Operetta CLS able to tackle all problems with any level of nuance and volume. It holds a sophisticated spinning disk imaging system, and its automated objective platform allows for the seamless image acquisition of 2D cell culture, 3D organoids, and entire tissue sections. Equipped with 8-LED emission sources and a suite of water-immersion objectives, the Operetta CLS yields some of the highest resolution images available on the market.
IncuCyte S3:
Ideal for high throughput screening, in conjunction with our HCS services, the IncuCyte S3 is a live cell imaging cytometer with a library of validated reagents and data analysis modules. Its versality has been extensively verified in applications like cell viability, chemotaxis migration, kinase activity, antibody internalization, immune cell infiltration, 3D-organoid growth, and others. Through the IncuCtye S3’s robust hardware and intuitive user interface, you will receive consistent data and reliable results.
Assay Development with High Content Screening
Assay development with high content screening will help in the efficient study of biological processes, identification of potential drug candidate, and advancement of biomedical research.
Available assays:
- Custom Organoid Assay
- Androgen Receptor Localization Assay
- Osmertinib Resistance Assay
- Custom Image Analysis
- Glioblastoma Apoptosis Assay
- Glioblastoma Spheroid Assay
- U87MG Cytotoxicity Assay
- Ductal Carcinoma Apoptosis Assay
- Endothelial Cell Migration Assay
- Dermal Fibroblast Migration Assay
Related services
Plate-Based Assays
We have the capability to conduct a variety of quantitative plate-based assays, including ELISAs and various fluorescence experiments (e.g. FRET & anisotropy). These assays are vital in high content screening for analysis of multiple samples, drug discovery, and target validation.
