Options for using optical microscopy in the development and manufacturing of iPSCs

Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2025; 11(10), 1349–1356

DOI: 10.18609/cgti.2025.157

Published: 9 December
Expert Insight
Anthony Asmar, Anne Plant

The development and manufacturing of cell therapies using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) require effective methods for monitoring and characterizing cell cultures. Optical imaging is a valuable tool for assessing cell cultures during the manufacturing process by providing spatial and temporal information about various cell characteristics. Widely available imaging modalities, including brightfield and phase contrast imaging, can be used to monitor different aspects of cell cultures, such as confluency, morphology, and cell state. However, other forms of imaging are becoming more developed and accessible. The choice of imaging modality depends on the specific application and desired metrics. Here, we discuss some of the advantages and limitations of different optical imaging modalities for live cell monitoring, highlighting their potential applications and challenges in cell therapy manufacturing. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of these imaging modalities, one can better design and implement imaging-based monitoring strategies for cell therapy production.

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