Visikol Inc

Visikol has in-house 3D cell culturing capabilities and works with clients to generate models that meet their specific cost, throughput, in-vivo relevancy and validation requirements. Visikol recognizes that 3D cell culture models are not a one-size-fits-all tool and that these models need to be developed specifically for each assay. We partner closely with clients to determine the best type of model for their specific research question and testing requirements. Some assays can utilize inexpensive single cell type spheroids to better replicate the in vivo microenvironment than do 2D cell culture approaches whereas other assays might require highly complex multi-cell-type models.

After we have generated an appropriate model for a client or brought a model in from a 3rd party, we can run full screening campaigns using assays ranging from simple plate reading all the way to high content confocal assays with multi-channel immunolabeling and advanced image processing. We are the only CRO capable of characterizing 3D cell culture models in their entirety through our patented Visikol HISTO-M tissue clearing technology. Our clients consider us the industry leader in 3D cell culture characterization.

To get started with us, reach out and tell us about your research question.

Visikol has an expertise in quantitative tissue imaging and executes end-to-end 3D cell culture assays for its clients from model generation to compound/antibody screening, analysis and reporting. Visikol offers simple plate reading analysis all the way to high resolution, high content, multi-channel confocal microscopy for its clients. The Visikol team is comprised of experts in image analysis and have developed a suite of digital pathology tools that allow 3D cell culture models to be assessed in any way that a client desires. Additionally, Visikol is the only CRO capable of acquiring all of the data from 3D cell culture models, as its Visikol HISTO-M 3D clearing technique enables complete quantitation of cells throughout the entirety of complex, multi-cellular models, even deep within the 3D model cortex. All other CRO's bias 3D cell culture image based analysis to only the cells on the periphery of models, which can provide highly misleading results.

Understanding the effects of a test compound on cell health and viability can be a crucial early step in the drug discovery and development process. Visikol's 2D or 3D in vitro cytotoxicity assays offer a high-content/high-throughput format for assessing cytotoxic effects.

Particularly in the assessment of cell subtype-specific cytotoxic effects of compounds in more complex, multicellular models, Visikol exceeds the standard in the field by offering an analysis of cell subtype breakdown of non-viable cells in whole spheroids or tissues when paired with our immunolabeling and clearing services.

Moreover, determining whether cell death is the result of a model flaw, such as the development of a necrotic core in larger, more complex multicellular microtissue models or the true result of test-compound treatment can be crucial to drawing accurate conclusions in drug screening campaigns. Therefore, Visikol offers a quantitative analysis of non-viable cell location within microtissues; Localization to the central core typically indicates necrosis due to lack of adequate nutrient supply in larger models, whereas localization to the outer cell layers or even distribution throughout the model is typically more indicative of test-compound effects. With our proprietary clearing technology, Visikol is the only CRO capable of characterizing all of the cells within 3D models, enabling this service to be performed.

Vasculature is a complex three-dimensional feature which is challenging to quantitatively evaluate using traditional two-dimensional histology. Using our patented Visikol HISTO tissue clearing technique combined with fluorescent labeling and 3D imaging (confocal and light sheet microscopy), we are able to visualize vasculature in 3D. When analyzed with our digital pathology algorithms, we are then able to transform these 3D vasculature networks into quantitative end-points (volume, branching, etc.) for your studies. This allows researchers to quantitatively address a number of research questions. For example, the impact of a compound or antibody on the process of angiogenesis can be assessed in a reliable, quantitative fashion. We can conduct in-depth vasculature studies on a few tissues at a time in preliminary studies or screens on hundreds of tissues as part of a larger campaign.

Visikol has in-house 3D cell culturing capabilities and works with clients to generate models that meet their specific cost, throughput, in-vivo relevancy and validation requirements. Visikol recognizes that 3D cell culture models are not a one-size-fits-all tool and that these models need to be developed specifically for each assay. We partner closely with clients to determine the best type of model for their specific research question and testing requirements. Some assays can utilize inexpensive single cell type spheroids to better replicate the in vivo microenvironment than do 2D cell culture approaches, whereas other assays might require highly complex multi-cell-type models.

After we have generated a model for a client or brought a model in from a 3rd party, we can run full screening campaigns using assays ranging from simple plate reading all the way to high content confocal assays with multi-channel immunolabeling and advanced image processing. We are the only CRO capable of characterizing 3D cell culture models in their entirety through our patented Visikol HISTO-M tissue clearing technology. As a result, our clients consider us the industry leader in 3D cell culture characterization.

To get started with us, reach out and tell us about your research question.

Visikol has in-house 3D cell culturing capabilities and works with clients to generate models that meet their specific cost, throughput, in-vivo relevancy and validation requirements. Visikol recognizes that 3D cell culture models are not a one-size-fits-all tool and that these models need to be developed specifically for each assay. We partner closely with clients to determine the best type of model for their specific research question and testing requirements. Some assays can utilize inexpensive single cell type spheroids to better replicate the in vivo microenvironment than do 2D cell culture approaches, whereas other assays might require highly complex multi-cell-type models.

After we have generated a model for a client or brought a model in from a 3rd party, we can run full screening campaigns using assays ranging from simple plate reading all the way to high content confocal assays with multi-channel immunolabeling and advanced image processing. We are the only CRO capable of characterizing 3D cell culture models in their entirety through our patented Visikol HISTO-M tissue clearing technology. As a result, our clients consider us the industry leader in 3D cell culture characterization.

To get started with us, reach out and tell us about your research question.

We offer fee-for-service 3D tissue labeling and imaging. Our standard service consists of 1 mm tissue section labeling and imaging where clients send us a tissue and we send back a digital stack of optical Z-sections from your tissue.

Our standard service is comprised of:
- 10X magnification imaging with 10 um Z steps.
- Nuclear label plus one antibody label (from list of Visikol HISTO validated antibodies).
- USB stick shipped back to customer
- Two week turnaround time

We can also conduct up to four channel imaging and can optimize antibody labeling for new antibodies.

Also, please see our image analysis services to add quantitative insights to any confocal microscopy services.

At Visikol our core focus is on advanced optical imaging and digital image analysis to provide researchers with quantitative and actionable insights as a service. We have developed a portfolio of digital pathology tools that we use to help you transition from qualitative to quantitative histopathology analysis. Typically, clients will send us tissues, slides or just digital files and we will work with the client to answer a specific research question such as developing a quantitative quality control assay or quantifying the specific phenotypic effect of a drug compound. We offer a full spectrum of digital pathology solutions including:

• Customizable feature extraction for morphology of interest
  
• Automated feature quantification from digital pathology slides using 3Screen software.
  
• Reproducible and accurate quantitative data for developing quality control assays, understanding dose response effects, and addressing complex biological questions.
  
• Suite of algorithms that include: co-localization, area analysis, H-score, biomarker analysis, intensity thresholding and structure differentation.
  
• Generation of multi-dimensional data outputs that can be processed using 3Screen clustering analysis.
  

Through our suite of digital pathology tools we can extract thousands of features (e.g. nuclei size, distribution etc) from slides instantaneously. This means that complex questions and quantitative assays (e.g. transplant quality control) can be developed in circumstances where a traditional qualitative approach would be limited. The shift to quantitative histology means that quantitative fingerprints can be identified facilitating ranking and comparison across hundreds of dimensions (e.g. necrosis, cell death) in the context of our clients' drug discovery and pre-clinical efforts.

We also understand that the jump to digital pathology can be big one for many research groups that have relied on traditional histopathology. Therefore, we typically begin all of our service projects with short, inexpensive pilot studies, so our clients can quickly see how digital pathology fits into their research workflows.

How our services work:

1) Define your research question, morphological features and desired end-points.
2) Send Visikol slides for slide scanning or digital renderings of slides.
3) Visikol extracts key features from digital renderings and analyzes based upon research question.
4) Visikol returns quantitative analysis report back to the customer.

Please reach out to us about your research needs

At Visikol our main focus is on transforming tissues into three-dimensional data sets that can be analyzed for actionable insights. We have developed a suite of Visikol HISTO tissue clearing reagents that we sell to researchers as well as use within our portfolio of imaging and image analysis assays. We have developed our Visikol HISTO-1 and Visikol HISTO-2 reagents for use with whole tissues (e.g. mouse brains) and to be compatible with immunolabeling and fluorescent protein. Additionally, we have developed our Visikol HISTO-M tissue clearing reagent to be compatible with 3D cell culture models (e.g. organoids, spheroids, microtissues) and high-throughput process. The Visikol HISTO reagents are also reversible which means that 3D imaging can be followed up with traditional histopathological analysis.

If you are interested in using tissue clearing in your lab you can purchase our Visikol HISTO tissue clearing reagents or send us tissues to label, clear, image and analyze. Our Visikol HISTO Starter Kits start at $489.99 and our services start at $499.99 per sample.

We currently offer a suite of best-in-class 2D and 3D in vitro high content screening assays and are the only CRO capable of complete 3D cell culture characterization through the use of our patented tissue clearing technology. We work closely with our clients to determine the optimal model, data output and analysis for each individual research question while balancing throughput, cost and in vivo relevancy. Our capabilities stretch the full spectrum of data density and throughput from high throughput 2D cell culture based dissolution assays to high resolution 3D organoid confocal imaging and digital image analysis.

Visikol has optimized its Visikol HISTO tissue clearing and immunolabeling approach for uniform whole tissue labeling and 3D imaging. We offer 3D tissue labeling and imaging services using our suite of 3D optimized immunolabels and advanced 3D microscopy.

We offer 3D tissue labeling and imaging services for as little as $500 per 1 mm tissue sample where the tissue sample is transformed into 1,800 images (2 channels). The data from tissues is sent back to a client within two weeks upon receipt of the tissue.

At Visikol we offer a full suite of digital pathology solutions from slide scanning to developing customized digital pathology solutions for clients. For slide scanning we currently offer:

• Whole slide imaging
  
• High resolution images up to 40x preserved digitally
  
• H&E, IHC, and fluorescent stains
  
• Images are compatible with most image-analysis systems
  
• Raw images can be returned via hard drive or viewed online
  
• Secure and simple access to files

We have offer fee-for-service 3D tissue labeling and imaging. Our standard service consists of 1 mm tissue section labeling and imaging where you send us a tissue and we send back a digital stack of optical Z-sections from your tissue.

Our standard service is comprised of:
- 10X magnification imaging with 10 um Z steps.
- Nuclear label plus one antibody label (from list of Visikol HISTO validated antibodies).
- USB stick shipped back to customer
- Two week turnaround time

We can also conduct up to four channel imaging and can optimize antibody labeling for new antibodies.

Visikol leverages its Visikol HISTO-M tissue clearing technology combined with high content confocal imaging and advanced 3D cell culture models to offer best-in-class 3D cell culture assays. We work closely with clients to determine the specific type of model and end-points required to address their specific research question. We offered standardized assays for the following applications as well as customized assays.

Antibody Penetration
Apoptosis
Angiogenesis
Cell-cell Junctions and Cadherins
Cell Proliferation
Cell Migration
Cell Viability
Cholestasis
Steatosis
Drug Induced Liver Injury
Fibrosis
Immune Cell Invasion
Inflammatory Signaling
Mitochondrial Health + Toxicity
NASH
ROS

All you need to do is send us plates of compounds or antibodies and we can send back insights.

3Screen™ - Assay development services based on cleared-tissue image analysis

Customized assay endpoints based on tissue clearing.
Let us help you get the most out of your tissues.

With our extensive portfolio of over 50 High Content Screening assays enhanced by tissue clearing, we are able to tailor any assay to meet your needs.

Specialized Cell-Based Assays Services

Fluorescence-Based Microscopy Services

Optical Microscopy Services

Microscopy Services

Imaging & Spectroscopy Services

Image Analysis Services

Tissue Preparation Services

Tissue Processing Services

Biospecimens Services

Cells and Tissues Services

Visikol is a CRO that is focused on transforming images into insights through the use of advanced optical imaging modalities and digital image analysis. We have developed a suite of automated image analysis tools that we leverage to assist our clients with their image analysis projects. Typically, clients send us either physical tissues that we transform into digital data sets or digital data sets that we analyze based upon a clients specification. Additionally, we have worked with clients to develop and implement custom automated image analysis algorithms for on-site applications. Our team are experts in image analysis and regularly work with traditional histopathology files (e.g. H&E, IHC) as well as images from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and computed tomography. However, we are agnostic in our approach to image analysis and can develop customized solutions for novel applications.

Mammalian Cell Culture Services

Toxicology Services