Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Tumor Spheroids Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Begin with a multi-well plate containing tumor spheroids, a three-dimensional cancer cell aggregate.

Place it on an optical coherence tomography, or OCT imaging stage, ensuring it is stabilized for accurate imaging.

Adjust the lens for optimal light focus, set the scanning parameters, and initiate image capture over time.

As the light interacts with the cells, it reflects at varying intensities depending on the cellular structures and depths.

OCT captures these reflected light intensities and constructs high-resolution, two-dimensional cross-sectional images at different planes.

Move the plate to acquire the images of tumor spheroids from all wells.

Using software, align these images and process them to create a three-dimensional spheroid model, revealing its morphological characteristics, including size, shape, and structure.

Over time, cells in the spheroid die, and their damaged structures increase light scattering, reducing the reflected light intensity.

This differentiates viable cells from non-viable ones, enabling the monitoring of physiological conditions.

On the day of the tumor spheroids imaging, remove the multi-well plate from the incubator. Transfer it under the OCT imaging sy