PI/Head: Shu Zhen CHONG, Ph.D.

Email: Chong_Shu_Zhen@Immunol.a-star.edu.sg

Manager: Leonard TAN, Ph.D.

Email: Leonard_Tan@Immunol.a-star.edu.sg

New MACSima Imaging Platform

A*STAR SIgN and Miltenyi Biotec are proud to announce the latest technological addition to their joint Spatial Biology & Immune Imaging Centre of Excellence: The MACSimaTM Imaging System.

In a concerted effort to advance the discovery and imaging of biomarkers, Miltenyi Biotec has brought in their state-of-the-art technology to synergize with the specialized proficiencies in sample preparation, imaging and analysis of A*STAR SIgN. This collaborative endeavor is united by a singular aim: to enhance the discovery of biomarkers essential for the delineation and advancement of therapeutics, as well as advancement of spatial knowledge for microenvironment studies — which the new MACSimaTM Imaging System is poised to help accomplish.

(Kinkhabwala et al, Nature, 2022)

Figure 1: Cyclic imaging utilizing the MACSimaTM Imaging System involves several key components. (a) The MACSimaTM System features fully automated robotic liquid handling and image acquisition capabilities. (b) Erasure techniques are employed, which may include photobleaching of the dye or disruption of the labeling conjugate using release reagent. The release reagent induces rapid detachment of the fluorescent dye alone (REAdye_lease Antibodies) or disrupts the labeling conjugate, resulting in spontaneous dissociation of the monomerized antibody fragments and the fluorescent dye (REAlease Antibodies) from their target epitopes. (c) Cyclic imaging involves repeated imaging cycles. (d) Image analysis is conducted using the MACS iQ View Software, which includes cellular segmentation, clustering, and visualization of clustered cells across the original image.

BACKGROUND

The MACSimaTM Imaging System represents the ultimate end-to-end spatial biology workflow solution, offering a fully automated platform for imaging and analysis capable of accommodating over 200 markers on a single sample via immunofluorescence microscopy. Its distinctive feature lies in its capacity to automatically stain and image an extensive array of targets using MACSimaTM Imaging Cyclic Staining (MICS) technology, ensuring a seamless, walk-away operation. Moreover, users have the flexibility to select from Miltenyi Biotec's extensive catalog of pre-conjugated and pretested antibodies, while also having the option to integrate third-party antibodies within the same experiment. After image acquisition, the accompanying MACS® iQ View Analysis Software presents an intuitive yet robust analysis solution tailored specifically for analyzing the high-dimensional data stacks obtained through ultra-high-plexed imaging. This software facilitates deep phenotyping of microenvironments, elucidates disease pathogenesis, and unveils novel targets for biomarkers and drug discovery endeavors1 (Figure 1).

TECHNOLOGIES AND APPROACH

The Centre of Excellence boasts well-established protocols and expertise, offering comprehensive services spanning from sample preparation for image acquisition to thorough data analysis tailored to your requirements. Collaboratively, our SIgN Immune Imaging Platform, in conjunction with the Miltenyi Biotec team, will devise the optimal approach based on considerations such as sample size, quality, antibody panel, region-of-interest selection, and cost constraints. Additionally, we extend an Introductory package at a competitive rate to first-time users, facilitating exploration of the MACSimaTM Imaging System and optimizing sample and antibody panel designs.

In collaboration with

OTHER PLATFORM EQUIPMENT LIST (OPEN ACCESS)

1. EVOS FL Auto 2 Cell Imaging System (Invitrogen)

2. IX-83 Slide Scanner (Olympus)