Conducting a successful, cell-based assay on the microscope can be quite a challenge. There are many factors to consider, and it's often the little things that make the difference between a good and a bad experimental result. When it comes to imaging during cell-based assays, researchers often tend to focus on the most obvious (and biggest and most expensive) tool: the microscope! It is, of course, important that the microscope fulfills certain technical prerequisites required for the specific biological assay being used (e.g., high-speed camera for imaging fast biological processes or an objective with high N/A for resolving structural cellular details). However, it's also essential to pay careful attention to the actual stars of the show: the cells. Because, let's be honest, they can be real divas!

We keep these principles in mind not only when we develop and design our tools and instruments, but also when we provide individual support through our highly experienced tech support team, or when we create digital resources that help the researchers help themselves. In fact, our goal is to guide the researcher through each step of the experimental workflow, in order to make sure that our tools and products are handled properly, and that the results are optimized.

Let's take a closer look at these individual steps and find out how ibidi can support you in the best possible way.

ibidi Application Specialists Christiane and Michael consulting conference participants on ibidi products and assays at the International Cell Culture Under Flow Meeting, 2020.

Let's start with the ibidi website. Not only does it list all available ibidi products, but also contains valuable resources to help you find the right approach to address your research questions. For example, our application sites are dedicated to specific biological processes, such as chemotaxis or 3D cell culture, and even cover whole research fields such as cancer research. On these sites, you will find a comprehensive introduction to the respective topic including an overview of the experimental workflow, tips and tools on how to analyze the data, and experimental examples. The entire content of our application sites is also available as downloadable, PDF-format application guides.

Application site examples on the ibidi website

Once you have decided on the method and the tools that best suit your research, it's time to setup the actual workflow. We know this can be tricky, especially when the tools and assays become more complex. If you are familiar with the µ-Slide Chemotaxis, you know what we are talking about. That's why we have put a lot of thought and energy into creating resources that will help our customers use our products in the best possible way, and achieve the quality of results they expect.

For example, every product comes with detailed instructions on how to use it and what to pay attention to. Our application notes provide detailed protocols to help you properly setup, conduct, and analyze a specific experiment. Check out our most popular application note, AN 08, "Coating Protocols for ibidi Labware Products".

If you find you are struggling to quantify the results of your experiment, check out our image analysis software. We offer automated and manual analysis solutions for cell migration, angiogenesis, and migration assays. Additionally, we provide hands-on online and in-house courses to teach our customers how to successfully conduct our more complex cell culture under flow and chemotaxis assays.

ibidi inhouse Chemotaxis Course 2019

Let's be real, sometimes experiments, products, or instruments fail! Whether this is because of an application error or material malfunction, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the reason. If you experience any trouble with your assays or products, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our technical support team is happy to help, and can be contacted via phone, contact form, or through our website chat.