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cell tracking

Cell tracking refers to tracking and measuring cell features when studying cell growth, migration, invasion, morphological changes, and changes in the localization of molecules within cells. Cell tracking can be performed using a fluorescent label as a contrast agent, or by using a label-free microscope imaging and analysis technique that doesn't require staining. The former requires the selection of fluorophores with high molecular specificity and low cytotoxicity, such as fluorescent protein fusions, with close attention paid to the fluorescence lifetime, intensity, and spectral crosstalk. On the other hand, label-free methods allow cell migration, division, differentiation, and death to be evaluated without staining, thus generally reducing phototoxicity and allowing for longer-term observation. For these reasons, applications of label-free imaging methods to toxicity evaluation in drug discovery screening and evaluation of cell efficacy in regenerative medicine have begun.