Three-dimensional (3D) cell models are emerging as the valuable alternatives to animal models for mimicking in vivo conditions and predicting physiological responses, raising the importance of monitoring the organoid/spheroid formation process and studying the interaction or competition between different cell types.
However, 3D cell models pose novel challenges in labelling and imaging. Post staining often leads to inhomogeneous signal, with limited dyes available for bottom-up labelling; moreover, 3D cell aggregates require a microscopy technique allowing imaging in a native 3D context without the need of slicing the sample.
Herein, a bio-compatible, 30-nm Cellaris 670 (Luminicell) nanoparticle fluorescent probe is reported for labelling 3D and 2D cells, enabling visualisation with a two-photon microscope (MPX-1030, Prospective Instruments) and long-term tracking of spheroid growth processes for 6 days.
Featuring a simplified workflow and the ability to achieve long-lasting uniform signal, this approach unlocks new possibilities to monitor cells and visualise cellular information deep within 3D structures, laying the foundation for investigating more complex models.
Read the full application note here (available in English):