bit.bio introduces ioTracker cells
bit.bio has launched its ioTracker cells range at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening conference, introducing enhanced visualisation capabilities to their human iPSC-derived cell types. This innovation enables researchers to track and isolate cells in complex experimental systems, with particular applications in neurodegenerative research.
New visualisation tools expand research capabilities
bit.bio’s new ioTracker cells range represents a significant advancement in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, offering researchers unprecedented visualisation capabilities within the company’s established cell portfolio. The first product in this range, GFP ioMicroglia, incorporates green fluorescent protein into bit.bio’s wild-type ioMicroglia, enabling real-time tracking and isolation of these cells in both in vitro and in vivo experimental settings.
The ioTracker cells maintain the consistency, functionality and scalability for which bit.bio’s deterministically-programmed cells are recognised, whilst adding enhanced visualisation features that open new avenues for complex disease modelling and drug discovery applications. This development is particularly significant for neurodegenerative research, where understanding cellular interactions in heterogeneous environments is crucial.
Microglia visualisation addresses key neurodegenerative research needs
Microglia, as the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, play a critical role in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Their activation patterns and motility are central to understanding conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The introduction of GFP ioMicroglia addresses a significant methodological challenge by allowing researchers to track these cells’ behaviour in real time within complex neural environments.
The GFP ioMicroglia retain the functional characteristics of bit.bio’s standard ioMicroglia, including phagocytic capacity and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion capabilities. Importantly, these cells reach assay-ready status within just 10 days, significantly accelerating experimental timelines compared to traditional methods of generating human microglia models.
“With GFP ioMicroglia, we’re simplifying cell visualisation in complex model systems,” said Mark Kotter, Founder of bit.bio. “We are committed to relentlessly innovating cellular tools that enable scientists to study human biology and disease. I look forward to learning how our customers will use our ioTracker cells to enable novel scientific breakthroughs.”
Applications across multiple research workflows
The new ioTracker cells have been designed with versatility in mind, supporting multiple experimental paradigms that are central to neuroscience research. These applications include co-culture systems with other neural cell types, live-cell imaging assays for assessing microglia motility and morphology, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) workflows for isolation and further analysis.
This flexibility makes the ioTracker range particularly valuable for modelling the complex cellular interactions that characterise neurodegenerative conditions. By enabling precise tracking of specific cell populations within heterogeneous cultures, researchers can gain more nuanced insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. “bit.bio’s new ioTracker cells range represents a valuable addition to our neuroscience toolkit,” said Farah Patell-Socha, Vice President of Products at bit.bio. “These cells offer researchers a more refined approach to studying neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and neurodegenerative processes. By enabling precise tracking and isolation in complex in vitro cultures, they facilitate a deeper understanding of intercellular interactions in disease.”
Expansion of comprehensive cellular toolkit
The introduction of the ioTracker cells range represents a strategic expansion of bit.bio’s ioCells portfolio, which now encompasses 46 products across four categories: ioWild Type Cells, ioDisease Model Cells, ioCRISPR-Ready Cells, and the newly introduced ioTracker Cells. All products in the portfolio are manufactured using the company’s proprietary opti-ox™ technology, which enables precise control of cellular identity through deterministic programming.
“With ioTracker Cells, we are empowering researchers to unravel the complexities of the human brain,” said Jonathan Milner, interim CEO of bit.bio. “This new range, starting with GFP ioMicroglia, reflects our mission to deliver transformative tools for biomedical research and drug discovery. Our cells are accessible to scientists worldwide through global shipping, providing a comprehensive toolkit to accelerate discoveries that have the potential to transform the understanding and treatment of devastating neurological diseases.”
For more information, visit: https://www.bit.bio/products
Digital issue: Please click here for more information
