High Content Imaging Core

OHRI’s High Content Imaging Core offers training and full access (24/7) to cutting-edge multi-channel fluorescent 3D imaging systems and analysis software.  

While designed for a fast and fully automated acquisition required in large-scale drug screens, they are also useful for detailed scanning of massive areas such as tissue sections. Not only is it much faster than a traditional microscope, but the fully automated analysis software also allows for completely unbiased object identification and quantification of any biologically relevant data, including cell morphology, signal intensity and kinetic changes.  

The systems are suitable for live or fixed cells or tissues in any format of rectangular cell culture plate or slides, but they are not suitable for Petri dishes.

We offer training and access to two different systems: Operetta CLS Live and Arrayscan VTI. Both are equipped with confocal modules and live cell chambers. You can find detailed specifications about each system and its applications in the sections below.  

Our core facility offers full training, 24/7 access, experimental support as well as technical support. 

Immunofluorescence image of heart muscle cells from a rat, stained red to show their shape and structure.
Immunofluorescence image of heart muscle cells from a rat, stained red to show their shape and structure.
IF on muscle fibers
Immunofluorescence image of muscle fibers from a mouse, stained red to show where new cells are growing.

Arrayscan VTI

The ArrayScan is a high content imaging instrument that offers a wide set of functions for the high and medium throughput study of cell biology in a single modular platform. From the development of high-content assay, through basic cell biology research to systems biology and drug discovery and toxicology, this system has been engineered to deliver robust data with minimal effort and with the fastest “image-to-answer” currently available.

The high content imaging core is composed of two separate ArrayScan VTI systems, both equipped with an Orbitor RS, capable of processing of up to 100 plates (fully automated). Each system has their own specific modules (live cell chamber, confocal unit, apotome, etc), enabling a wide variety of applications. With a 7-channel LED light engine and the HCS Studio software, the ArrayScan VTI allows the creation of personalized analyses suited for any experimental design.

Manufacturer Website

Illumination

7-channel solid-state LED light engine

Camera

Photometrics X1 camera (2208x2208 pixels at 4.54 µm/pixel)

Widefield

7-channel fluorescent imaging

Brightfield

White light brightfield imaging

Confocal

6-channel confocal imaging

Objectives

Objective turret (range from 2.5-20X)

Focus

Thermo Scientific Cellomics AccuFocus technology

Live cell

Live-cell imaging chamber (temperature and CO2 controlled)

Automation

Orbitor RS configured for fully automated plate handling and scanning

Software

HCS StudioTM software for integrated data collection and analysis

  • Angiogenesis Assay
  • Apoptosis Assay
  • Autophagy Assay
  • CellCycle Assay
  • Cell Health Profile Assay
  • Cell Motility Assay
  • Cell Spreading Assay
  • Cell Toxicity Assay
  • Cell Viability Assay
  • Cholestasis Assay
  • Colony formation Assay
  • Comet Assay
  • Comet Genotoxicity Assay
  • Cytoplasm to Membrane Translocation
  • Cytoskeleton Rearrangement Assay
  • DNA Damage Assay
  • Drug Induced Liver Injury Assay
  • Endocrine Profiling Assay
  • General Localization Measurement Tool
  • General Intensity Measurement Tool
  • General Spot Measurement Tool
  • Histology Tool
  • Invasion Assay
  • Micronucleus Assay
  • Micronucleus Genotoxicity Assay
  • Mitotic index Assay
  • Multiple Target Translocation Assay
  • Myotubule Formation Assay
  • Neurite Detection Assay
  • Neurotoxicity Profiling Assay
  • Proliferation and Cell Death Assay
  • Receptor Internalization Assay
  • Single Target Translocation Assay
  • Synaptogenesis Assay
  • Transfection Efficiency Assay
  • Zebrafish Toxicity Assay 

Operetta CLS Live

The Operetta is a high-throughput microplate imager for high-content analysis (HCA). It can acquire, analyze and manage fluorescence, brightfield and digital phase contrast images. The combination of high-power LED excitation with fast, precise mechanics and one large format sCMOS camera enables fast imaging. Controlled by Harmony software, it offers a seamless workflow for reliable discrimination of phenotypes even in complex cellular models.

The High Content Imaging Core possesses an Operetta CLS Live system, equipped with a live cell chamber, a confocal unit and fully automated water immersion objectives. With an 8-LED kit and the Harmony software, the Operetta CLS Live allows the creation of fully customized analyses suited for any experimental design.

Manufacturer Website

Illumination

8-LED kit (365nm, 440nm, 475nm, 510nm, 550nm, 580nm, 630nm, 660nm) 

Camera

4.7 Mpx sCMOS (2160x2160 pixels at 6.5 µm/pixel)

Imaging

Brightfield, DPC, widefield and confocal

Objectives

Objective turret (regular range: 5-20x, water immersion range: 20-40x)

Live cell

Live-cell imaging chamber (temperature and CO2 controlled)

Machine learning

PhenoLOGIC algorithm

Acquisition

PreciScan intelligent acquisition plug-in

Software

HCS Studio software for integrated data collection and analysis

Pricing

Training session*

$40 per attendee

Scan running (Arrayscan)

$20/hour

Scan running (Operetta)

$60/hour

Time spent on system set-up or gathering data and images from previously executed scans is free.

*Training is required to gain access to the Operetta and the Arrayscan as well as their booking calendars. 

Contact us

Dr. Julien Yockell-Lelievre 

(613) 737-8899 x79178

Dr. William Stanford’s laboratory (W5214) 
Sprott Centre, 5th floor 
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute