Label-Free Stem Cell Differentiation Monitoring
Stem cell differentiation monitoring is crucial for directing stem cells toward specific cell lineages, essential in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Molecular markers, imaging techniques, and functional assays help track the progression of stem cells, ensuring they transform into the desired cell types. Continuous monitoring methods are sought to overcome challenges related to heterogeneity and to provide real-time insights into the dynamics of differentiation.
Stem cell analysis faces challenges including heterogeneous populations, variable biomarker expression, and the need for non-invasive, rapid readouts. Traditional fluorescent assays add cost, time, and potential bias. Label-free stem cell analysis using intrinsic biophysical and biochemical signatures offers a faster, non-perturbing alternative that can reduce sample prep and accelerate development. Radiance® produces quantitative, in-process endpoints that can be incorporated into potency-assurance workflows, mapping multivariate LFC™ signatures to functional activity for later-stage assay validation and lot release.
Discover the Unknown Using Laser Force Cytology™
Antibodies are powerful but limited by induced phenotypic changes, non-specific binding, the need for prior knowledge, and development time. Real-time, label-free cellular PAT approaches provide quantitative, universal characterization of cell differentiation across production stages. Radiance® Laser Force Cytology™ captures label-free cellular fingerprints that enable rapid, in-process answers in minutes and support predictive downstream function.
Radiance® provides both univariate and multivariate single-cell metrics, with its multivariate signatures powered by robust machine learning predictive models—enabling their use as quantitative endpoints in potency assay design that reflects mode of action and meets validation criteria such as specificity, precision, and robustness.
Radiance® for In-Process Stem Cell Monitoring and Bank Qualification
Radiance® provides predictive stem cell function post-thaw and in-process decision support through multivariate single-cell metrics. This enables stem cell bank qualification, potency release assays, and label-free monitoring of iPSC and other differentiation pathways without the limitations of antibodies.
With minimal label-free sample prep and time-to-result measured in minutes, this approach supports high-throughput workflows compatible with cellular PAT integration. These operational advantages help forecast expansion quality and time-from-thaw—informing stem cell bank qualification, release decisions, and patient dosing logistics to ensure timely and effective treatment delivery.
Quantitative Characterization of hMSC Differentiation Using Radiance®
Shown below are results illustrating LFC™ measured changes in optical and fluidic force measurements, including velocity between undifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and their differentiated progeny (osteocytes and adipocytes). When compared to undifferentiated hMSCs, the population of osteocytes shows an increase in velocity, versus a decrease in velocity in the adipocyte population. Changes are seen in multiple parameters as the cells differentiate, demonstrating the capability for Radiance® to monitor the differentiation process. These multivariate, label-free signatures enable comprehensive stem cell characterization across stages and can be translated into validated potency assay endpoints to support regulatory release decisions.
Accelerate Development with Label-Free Stem Cell Analysis
Harness the power of Radiance® for real-time, label-free stem cell differentiation monitoring—delivering predictive stem cell function post-thaw, enabling stem cell bank qualification, and supporting in-process decision-making. Together, these capabilities improve differentiation tracking, reduce assay bias, and accelerate time-to-result across development and manufacturing workflows.
