Cultivation and multimodal analysis of cells and biological material

We cultivate and analyze cells as well as biological material using a multimodal approach – from 2D / 3D cultures to microfluidic systems, high-resolution imaging, cytometry, and metabolic profiling. Our infrastructure enables standardized, reproducible results under controlled conditions and the seamless integration of functional, biomechanical, and molecular data.

2D and 3D cell culture

3D cell culture
© Fraunhofer IZI

We establish robust 2D monolayers and physiologically relevant 3D models (spheroids, organoids, Matrigel / scaffolds) for drug testing, mechanism research, and personalized approaches. Depending on the application, we utilize classic cell lines, primary cells, or your clinical material.

Cell culture under controlled oxygen conditions

Person working at a cell culture workbench with controlled oxygen conditions

We utilize precise oxygen control (hypoxia / normoxia) to model pathophysiological conditions, stability testing of phenotypes, and investigation of O2-sensitive signaling pathways.

Cultivation and treatment of cells from human primary tissue

The cryopreservation and cultivation of primary cells, including defined treatment and stimulation protocols, serve patient-centered research across various questions.

Testing of microfluidics and lab-on-chip methods

We develop and validate a variety of lab-on-chip and microfluidic platforms with you for your applications, such as automated assays, high-throughput experiments, gradient formation, and dynamic perfusion.

Flow cytometry and deformability cytometry

Working with the flow cytometer
© Fraunhofer IZI

Classical flow cytometry is used for high-dimensional analysis of surface and intracellular markers. The Fraunhofer IZI has modern flow cytometers and sorters available. 

Preparation for deformability cytometry

Deformability cytometry offers label-free measurement of mechanical cell parameters for real-time phenotyping. With this innovative technology, we can analyze, for example, immune cell activation, microclot analyses, and metabolic stress. We measure using the Naiad1.0 and AcCellerator devices.

Biomechanical and morphological phenotypes

The determination of cell stiffness, deformability, adhesion, and cell shape metrics allows for correlations with function, differentiation, and disease states of cells. Measurement is performed using deformability cytometry.

Fluorescence microscopy and microscopic long-term monitoring of living cells

Live-cell imaging with the Leica Thunder provides time-lapse, multi-channel fluorescence, and automated segmentation / tracking for the analysis of dynamics and cell interactions.

Immunostaining, immunophenotyping, and cell labeling

Targeted labeling of proteins and cell populations (fixed / live) supports qualitative and quantitative analyses in cytometry and microscopy.

Metabolic assays

Measurement of cellular respiration, glycolysis, ATP levels, and redox status for the functional characterization of energy metabolism and stress responses.

Cytotoxicity assays

Assessment of cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis / necrosis using standardized assays for safety and efficacy testing.

Metabolic profiling and VOC detection via GC-IMS of biological samples

Measuring probe is inserted into glass tubes containing various liquids
© Fraunhofer IZI

GC-IMS-based detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is used as a sensitive, non-invasive biomarker for metabolic states. This can address various questions, such as immune cell activation, therapy response, and process controls in production processes. We utilize classical drift tube GC-IMS (STEP Pockau, G.A.S. Dortmund with optional concentration) and GC-FAIMS (Schumann Analytics or Owlstone).

Breath analysis

Person undergoing respiratory gas analysis
© Fraunhofer IZI

The analysis of exhaled VOC profiles enables a translational link between in vitro models and clinical applications for diagnostics and therapy monitoring, including therapy side effects.

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