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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
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Lens-free Video Microscopy for the Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis of Adherent Cell Culture
Published on: February 23, 2018
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Low-cost motility tracking system (LOCOMOTIS) for time-lapse microscopy applications and cell visualisation
Adam E Lynch1, Junian Triajianto2, Edwin Routledge1
1Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge, London, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|August 15, 2014
Summary
This study introduces an affordable cell motility system using USB microscopes and open-source software. The system enables high-throughput time-lapse imaging and cell tracking, comparable to expensive equipment.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Microscopy
Background:
- Traditional cell motility studies require costly microscopy equipment.
- Advances in digital sensors and open-source software offer new possibilities for affordable cell imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an expandable cell motility system using inexpensive USB microscopes.
- To demonstrate the system's capability for time-lapse imaging and cell tracking assays.
Main Methods:
- Utilized commercially available digital USB microscopes for imaging.
- Employed time-lapse microscopy and cell tracking assays.
- Performed experiments using various cell types, including hemocytes, cancer cells, and Sertoli cells.
Main Results:
- Achieved cell tracking results comparable to expensive microscopy systems.
- Successfully measured cell velocities for multiple cell types, consistent with previous reports.
- Demonstrated simultaneous recording of three separate assays on a single computer.
Conclusions:
- The developed system provides an affordable alternative for higher throughput cell motility studies.
- Combines low-cost hardware with open-source software for accessible research.
- Enables researchers to study cell motility without significant financial investment.
