NEUROINDX A-picK Single-Cell and Tissue Microdissection System

Overview

The NEUROINDX A-picK is a precision-engineered single-cell and tissue microdissection system designed for high-fidelity, operator-guided isolation of individual cells or defined tissue regions under optical supervision. Built upon the proven UnipicK Plus platform, the A-picK integrates a Marzhauser Wetzlar SCAN IM 120 × 80 motorized XY stage with Olympus IX71/IX73/IX81/IX83 inverted microscopy platforms, enabling programmable, coordinate-based positioning with sub-micron repeatability. Its core operational principle combines positive-pressure-driven capillary aspiration with real-time visual feedback and digital position tracking—ensuring deterministic capture of morphologically intact, viable single cells or micro-tissue fragments without mechanical shear or enzymatic over-digestion. The system is engineered for reproducible isolation in applications requiring downstream molecular integrity, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), clonal expansion assays, spatial proteomics validation, and primary neuronal culture establishment.

Key Features

• Integrated Marzhauser Wetzlar SCAN IM 120 × 80 motorized stage with closed-loop encoders for precise, repeatable XY navigation (position resolution ≤ 0.1 µm)
• Real-time digital capillary position display synchronized with microscope field-of-view via PICKCELLS™ software interface
• Dual-mode operation: “Single” mode (one cell → one well) and “Pool” mode (multiple cells/tissue fragments → one well), configurable per acquisition sequence
• Optimized positive-pressure aspiration control with adjustable pressure range and response time, minimizing cellular deformation during pickup
• Enhanced capillary illumination system for improved contrast and depth perception during targeting of low-refractive-index or translucent specimens
• Pre-digestion protocol library for challenging tissues (e.g., brain parenchyma, fibrotic tumor sections), supporting controlled enzymatic softening prior to mechanical isolation
• Native compatibility with standard 48-well plates; plate mapping functionality enables user-defined destination coordinates for each captured specimen

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The A-picK accommodates adherent and suspension cells (including primary neurons, iPSC-derived progenitors, immune subsets, and circulating tumor cells), as well as cryosectioned or paraffin-embedded tissue slices (5–30 µm thickness). It supports glass-bottom dishes, chambered coverslips, and standard microscope slides mounted on compatible stages. All hardware and firmware comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) standards. The PICKCELLS™ software architecture supports audit trail logging and user-access controls, facilitating alignment with GLP-compliant workflows and internal SOP documentation requirements. While not FDA-cleared as an IVD device, the system is validated for research-use-only (RUO) environments in academic, biopharma, and CRO laboratories.

Software & Data Management

PICKCELLS™ is a Windows-based application developed specifically for the A-picK platform. It provides full instrument control—including stage movement, pressure modulation, capillary Z-height adjustment, and image overlay registration—via intuitive graphical workflow templates. Users define regions of interest (ROIs) directly on live or imported microscope images, assign destination wells in 48-well plate layouts, and generate sequential acquisition scripts. All operations are timestamped and logged with metadata (operator ID, microscope settings, pressure values, stage coordinates, and ROI bounding boxes). Export options include CSV-formatted acquisition logs, TIFF-stacked image sequences, and JSON-encoded experimental parameters—ensuring traceability and interoperability with LIMS or ELN systems. Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channels with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Isolation of transcriptionally distinct neuronal subtypes from heterogeneous brain slices for scRNA-seq library preparation
• Targeted retrieval of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) adjacent to PD-L1+ carcinoma nests in FFPE tissue sections
• Clonal derivation of CRISPR-edited stem cell lines following single-cell sorting and expansion
• Microdissection of endothelial tip cells from sprouting angiogenic assays for functional phenotyping
• Recovery of rare circulating fetal cells from maternal blood samples for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) assay development
• Serial sectioning and positional reassembly of organoid domains for spatial transcriptomics correlation

FAQ

What microscope models are natively supported?
The A-picK system is configured for Olympus IX71, IX73, IX81, and IX83 inverted microscopes with standard trinocular port and mechanical stage interface.
Can the system be integrated with third-party imaging platforms?
Yes—via TTL-triggered synchronization and custom API access (available under NDA), enabling integration with widefield, confocal, or light-sheet systems for multimodal acquisition.
Is PICKCELLS™ compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
The current version supports electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based permissions; full Part 11 compliance requires site-specific validation and optional GxP configuration package.
What is the typical throughput for single-cell isolation?
Under optimized conditions, users achieve 30–50 targeted single-cell isolations per hour, depending on sample density, operator experience, and preprocessing requirements.
Does the system support cryo-preservation post-isolation?
Yes—the 48-well plate output format is compatible with standard cryovial transfer protocols and automated liquid nitrogen storage systems.