Lonza has released CytoSMART System, a live cell imaging system that enables researchers to take time-lapse videos and images of their cell culture without needing to manually inspect their cells. The images taken with the CytoSMART Device are transmitted into the cloud, enabling researchers to view their cell culture outside of the actual cell culture lab at any given time through a web browser, whether via a computer, tablet or smartphone.

CytoSMART System offers a number of benefits to researchers, according to the company, including 24-hour peace of mind that their cells are safe and well, all without them ever having to step foot in the lab. It also provides a number of advanced functions, such as reporting ongoing cell confluency via a graphical readout, while automatic email alerts can be set to inform the user when milestones are reached. Everything is pulled together via one intuitive and easy to use interface, the CytoSMART Connect Cloud Project page, which allows users to view and download all the videos and images connected with their project.

“Researchers that have tested the CytoSMART Prototype have used it for a variety of different applications, such as cell culture monitoring and documentation, migration and scratch assays and cell culture standardization. Stem cell researchers were specifically interested in documenting the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells via video recordings, while labs that grow cells under hypoxic or GMP conditions greatly appreciated the ability to remotely monitor their cell cultures,” said Herbert Mueller-Hartmann, head of R&D, Lonza Bioscience Solutions.

“As the standard determination of cell culture confluency is through visual inspection, which is highly user dependent, many labs also valued the email alert functionality. This allows users to be notified once a culture had reached a certain confluency, saving them from manually checking their cells until absolutely necessary,” he continued.

Lonza has introduced the CytoSMART System as part of a global distribution agreement with CytoMate Technologies BV.