| abstract |
The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for the automated study of senescence of cells. The apparatus includes a plurality of plates, customized with a flow-through hole, arranged on a platform. A microscope with integrated camera is positioned above the platform and both microscope and platform are coupled to a rotation mechanism to allow relative rotation between the platform and the microscope. Cells are anchored magnetically, chemically, or electrostatically to the plates and are treated to a controlled environment. Daughter cells born from the mother cell are observed by the microscope and then washed, using a wash fluid, through the flow-through hole in the plate. A processor automates the process and allows for a user to input customizable test parameters and value thresholds to indicate a test is completed. The processor also organises test data in the form of a spreadsheet for simple modelling and data manipulation. |