Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Quantitative Analysis of Random Migration of Cells Using Time-lapse Video Microscopy
Published on: May 13, 2012
Automated Multichamber Time-lapse Videography for Long-term In Vivo Observation of Migrating Cells
Helmut Buhler1, Raphael Adamietz2, Theresa Abeln2
1Institute for Molecular Oncology, Radiobiology and Experimental Radiotherapy, Marien Hospital Herne, Medical Center Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany helmut.buehler@rub.de.
Aim:
To observe and document the migration of living cells by time-lapse videography, we constructed a low-budget system based on a common inverted microscope.
Materials And Methods:
Long-term observation of six-well plates is enabled through maintenance of cell culture conditions (5% CO2 in air at 37°C). Points of interest can be revisited in definable intervals with <1 μm repositioning error. Digital photographs from each programmed time point are paired with environmental data and combined into a record.
Results:
We used this new chamber to observe the migration of various cell lines. The design represents a good compromise between low cost and good precision. Detailed analyses verified that the environmental conditions were appropriately maintained, enabling long-term observation of viable cells. The stimulating influence of irradiation with photons (radiotherapy) on cellular motility of glioblastoma cells is presented.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that useful videographic systems can be constructed at low cost.
