CyteFinder II Whole-Tissue Imaging and Single-Cell Extraction System
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | CyteFinder II |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The CyteFinder II Whole-Tissue Imaging and Single-Cell Extraction System is an integrated platform engineered for spatially resolved, morphology-preserving analysis of heterogeneous biological tissues. It combines high-resolution, multi-modal whole-slide imaging with contact-free, laser-guided microdissection to enable precise isolation of morphologically defined tissue regions or individual cells—without chemical or thermal perturbation. The system operates on a dual-core principle: (1) quantitative panoramic imaging using transmitted-light (brightfield) and multi-channel epifluorescence microscopy (up to 7 fluorophores), and (2) label-guided physical extraction via non-contact, pulsed UV laser ablation coupled with gravity-assisted capillary transfer. This architecture ensures preservation of native nucleic acid integrity—critical for downstream NGS, RNA-seq, and targeted amplification workflows from FFPE and frozen (OCT) sections.
Key Features
- Whole-tissue panoramic imaging at 20×–40× optical magnification with automated focus stacking and seamless tile stitching
- Simultaneous brightfield and up to 7-color fluorescence imaging with spectral unmixing capability and hardware-based channel registration
- Laser-based microdissection with subcellular spatial precision (≤5 µm lateral resolution) and real-time visual feedback
- Integrated sample handling for standard glass slides: H&E-stained, IHC (DAB, AP), IF, and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) preparations
- Extraction compatibility with both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and cryopreserved (OCT) tissue sections
- On-board image annotation tools supporting ROI markup, cell classification (via user-defined morphological thresholds), and hierarchical region tagging
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CyteFinder II supports a broad range of clinical and research-grade histological specimens, including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections, immunohistochemistry (IHC)-processed slides (DAB, Fast Red, Vector NovaRED), immunofluorescence (IF)-labeled samples, and multiplexed panels (e.g., CODEX, PhenoCycler, or custom mIF). All extraction protocols are compatible with ISO 15189– and CLIA-aligned laboratory workflows. Data acquisition and annotation comply with DICOM-SR (Supplement 143) for structured reporting, and the system supports audit-trail logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in GLP/GMP environments. Extracted material meets input specifications for Illumina TruSight Oncology, 10x Genomics Visium Spatial Gene Expression, and NanoString GeoMx DSP library preparation kits.
Software & Data Management
CyteHub—the proprietary image data management suite—provides centralized, role-based access to annotated whole-slide images, extraction logs, and metadata. It features lossless pyramidal image storage (OpenSlide-compatible), AI-assisted cell segmentation (optional plugin), and bidirectional synchronization with LIMS via HL7/FHIR interfaces. All image annotations, ROI selections, and extraction events are timestamped and linked to unique sample IDs. Export formats include OME-TIFF, JSON-LD (for MIAME-compliant metadata), and CSV-based extraction manifests aligned with FASTQ/FASTA pipeline ingestion standards. Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) is available upon request for regulated environments.
Applications
The CyteFinder II enables spatially informed discovery across immuno-oncology, tumor microenvironment (TME) mapping, and translational pathology. Key use cases include: identification and isolation of PD-L1+/CD8+ T-cell synapses in melanoma FFPE sections; retrieval of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subsets from spatially resolved CD68/CD163/HLA-DR mIF panels; correlation of clonal TCR sequences with histologic location in lymphoid tissues; and generation of matched DNA/RNA libraries from adjacent serial sections for integrated genomic–transcriptomic profiling. It further supports biomarker discovery pipelines compliant with IMC (Imaging Mass Cytometry) cross-validation frameworks and serves as a pre-analytical module for spatial proteogenomics initiatives.
FAQ
Does the CyteFinder II support live-cell imaging?
No—it is optimized for fixed, sectioned tissue specimens and does not accommodate live-cell culture chambers or environmental control modules.
What is the minimum recommended section thickness for optimal laser extraction efficiency?
5–10 µm for FFPE; 8–12 µm for OCT-embedded frozen sections.
Can CyteHub integrate with third-party image analysis platforms such as QuPath or HALO?
Yes—via standardized OME-TIFF export and annotation JSON schema; direct API integration is supported under enterprise licensing.
Is RNA integrity (RIN) assessment included in the workflow?
While the system preserves RNA integrity by design, RIN evaluation requires post-extraction analysis using Agilent Bioanalyzer or TapeStation—CyteFinder II does not include on-instrument electrophoretic assessment.
How is instrument calibration verified for spatial accuracy?
Calibration is performed using NIST-traceable stage micrometers and fluorescent bead grids; annual performance verification includes lateral resolution (MTF), chromatic shift (<0.15 µm), and laser spot size (FWHM ≤4.2 µm).
