Protocol for the generation and automated confocal imaging of whole multi-cellular tumor spheroids.

STAR Protoc

School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia. Electronic address:

Published: June 2023

Multi-cellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) have found widespread use in pre-clinical research. However, their complex three-dimensional structure makes immunofluorescent staining and imaging challenging. Here, we present a protocol for whole spheroid staining and automated imaging using laser-scanning confocal microscopy. We describe steps for cell culture, seeding of spheroids and transfer of MCTS, and adhesion to Ibidi chamber slides. We then detail fixation, immunofluorescent staining based on optimized reagent concentrations and incubation times, and confocal imaging facilitated by glycerol-based optical clearing.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10276290PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102331DOI Listing

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