Imaging Devices

When performing plate-based assays, it can often be challenging to determine whether the signal obtained is representative of a significant portion of the cell population. Cellular imaging enables one to see inside a cell, to visualize and analyze the processes occurring within a living cell. Cellular Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI) leverages genetically modified cells that express bioluminescent proteins, allowing high-resolution, real-time monitoring of dynamic cellular and subcellular events. Unlike fluorescence imaging, BLI does not require external light for stimulation. Instead, an enzymatic substrate is introduced to produce a luminescent signal. This method reduces the risks of phototoxicity and photobleaching, which are common concerns in fluorescence imaging.

The brightness and specificity of bioluminescent reporters make them ideal for various research applications. In the study of genetic expression and regulation, they allow researchers to link luciferase reporters to specific gene promoters, observing the activation or suppression of genes in response to different stimuli, drugs or environmental conditions. For studying protein-protein interactions, techniques like bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) enable the detection of fluorescent signals without the need of external light stimulation. By tagging signaling molecules with HiBiT, researchers can visualize and quantify the activation of specific cell signaling pathways in response to various stimuli without impeding endogenous cellular activity. It can also be used to monitor viral and bacterial infections, with pathogens engineered to express bioluminescent reporters allowing for real-time tracking of infection processes, replication rates, and the effects of antimicrobial treatments.