Sygnature Discovery – Automation of iPSC workflows

The Automation of iPSC Workflows Poster from Axol Bioscience and Sygnature Discovery outlines a semi-automated platform for culturing and assaying iPSC-derived microglia (iMGL), enabling scalable and reproducible neuroinflammation research. This approach addresses key challenges in iPSC-based drug discovery, including fragility, sterility, and assay variability.

Key highlights include:

• Axol iPSC-Derived Microglia (axoCells™ iMGL): Cultured in 384-well plates with consistent morphology and marker expression (TMEM119, P2RY12); validated for phagocytosis of Aβ1-42.
• Semi-Automated Workflow: Integrates bulk dispensing (Multidrop™), liquid handling (Integra VIAFLO), and acoustic dispensing (Echo 655) for cell seeding, media changes, and compound delivery.
• Workflow Steps: Includes plate coating, cell seeding, media changes, compound treatment, fixation, and staining—executed under sterile conditions in a Class II biosafety cabinet.
• High Content Imaging Assay: Measures phagocytosis, cell health, and marker expression using multiplexed imaging and MetaXpress® analysis.
• Functional Validation: Demonstrates improved reproducibility, reduced cell loss, and enhanced data fidelity compared to manual workflows.
• Scalable Drug Screening: Enables profiling of compounds targeting neuroinflammation and supports miniaturized assay formats for CNS research.

This platform accelerates humanized drug discovery by combining automation with Axol’s high-quality iPSC-derived cell products.

Featured Axol Products:

• axoCells™ iPSC-Derived Microglia (iMGL) – Validated for neuroinflammation and phagocytosis assays
• axoCells™ Media & Supplements – Optimized for automated workflows and consistent cell health
• Custom iPSC Lines – Compatible with automation platforms for disease modeling and compound screening