A modular in-incubator microscope for longitudinal live-cell microscopy
Longitudinal live-cell imaging is valuable for characterizing morphological and phenotypic changes in biological systems. However, conventional approaches rely on manual microscope operation, which is labor-intensive, limits imaging frequency, and disrupts cellular environments. These constraints increase experimental variability and restrict both the duration and temporal resolution of continuous imaging. Although automated microscopes partially address these limitations, existing solutions are often constrained by the cost, footprint, and inflexibility of in-incubator microscopes or stage-top incubators. Here, we present an automated in-incubator epifluorescence microscope designed for extended operation. The system features a modular architecture with optional automated multi-fluorescence imaging, plate scanning, and compatibility with fluidic automation devices. By placing the light sources and control electronics outside the incubator, the platform improves thermal stability and long-term operational reliability. This approach enables continuous, high-frequency imaging over extended durations, providing a source of rich data for quantifying time-dependent tissue phenotypes, morphological remodeling, and transient biological processes.
Authors
- Kateryna Voitiuk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6392-5188)
- Yohei Rosen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3870-2169)
- Drew Ehrlich (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6794-6800)
- Jessica L. Sevetson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7434-1447)
- Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1634-7514)
- Santhosh Arul (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9617-1319)
- Sofie R. Salama (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6999-7193)
- Maryam Moarefian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1875-0614)
- Samira Vera-Choqqueccota (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9554-5617)
- Spencer T. Seiler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0087-1346)
- David H. Haussler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1533-4575)
- Mircea Teodorescu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7085-5248)
- John Minnick (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2593-6342)
- Kivilcim E Doganyigit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4607-9594)
- Ethan Winkler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7908-7107)
- Seth Nicholson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3999-9302)
- Anna Toledo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2066-520X)
- Max McGlynn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9019-7378)
- Sri Kurniawan
- Neil Doherty (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6260-5346)
Institutions
- University of California, San Francisco (US)
- University of California, Santa Cruz (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cell Reports Physical Science
- Published
- 2026-10-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2026.103600
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
- California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
- National Institutes of Health
- Office of the President, University of California
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke