Visikol Inc

Assay development services that include advanced imaging, 3D cell culture and digital pathology

We provide Clients with custom drug discovery assay services that leverage our expertise in advanced imaging, image analysis and 3D cell culture models. We have a wide range of imaging resources in our facility including high content confocal microscopy, plate reading, light sheet microscopy and optical projection tomography. We also have CRO partners that we work with on projects that require echocardiogram imaging, ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography, X-ray CT and MRI.

To support these imaging modalities, we have developed a comprehensive suite of image analysis software that works with both 2D and 3D data sets that we use to transform large image data sets into PDF reports for our clients.

In all of these assay services we either use animal models or cell culture models whereas our expertise as a company is in advanced 3D cell culture models.

We can develop an execute an end-to-end study for your needs or develop and transfer an assay to our lab for internal use.

We provide end-to-end 3D tissue imaging solutions for our clients that include high content confocal imaging, traditional confocal imaging and light sheet microscopy. We can image any tissue size in 3D for our Clients from small regions of interest all the way up to whole mouse brains if a research question requires it. Typically, Clients send us tissue samples wherein we optimize specific labels for them if we not have already validated them and then image their tissue in 3D. We can provide researchers the raw 3D data as TIF Z-stacks or we can conduct image analysis to address a specific research question.

Prior to the development of the CLARITY technique in 2013, we developed the patented Visikol HISTO tissue clearing technique for 3D tissue imaging and are the leader in this space.

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. Most of this work is comprised of channel colocalization but some projects leverage our machine learning tools for data analysis. 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.

Visikol provides immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent labeling services to its Clients and is unique in this space as it can label traditional slides and also 3D tissues for 3D tissue imaging via confocal or light sheet microscopy.

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.

At Visikol we have the ability to generate a wide range of different types of cell culture models and also a comprehensive suite of characterization tools. We routinely conduct screening campaigns for Clients using models range from simple 2D cell culture models all the way to highly complex 3D iPSC-derived organoids. For characterization we can conduct any type of end point from simple plate reading all the way to high content confocal microscopy if needed.

Visikol is the leader in advanced imaging and image analysis and has built out a comprehensive suite of digital pathology tools for the evaluation of both 2D and 3D image data sets. We work commonly with image sets from slide scanning as well as more complicated 3D data sets from high content confocal imaging as well as light sheet microscopy. We are also the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples.

At Visikol we conduct a wide range of cell culture assays for our Clients from using simple 2D cell culture models all the way to the generation of highly complex iPSC-derived organoids. Our facility is capable of executing a wide range of cell-based assays with varying end-points from simple plate reading assays to 3D high content confocal imaging assays. We work closely with our Clients to develop and validate their assays as well as cell culture system.

At Visikol we execute on end-to-end cell based screening projects for our clients that leverage either simple 2D cell culture models or more complex 3D cell culture models. We have in house cell culturing facilities and an expertise in generating and validated different types of cell culture models. Our lab is equipped with automation equipment and can conduct simplistic and high throughput plate reading assays all the way up to 3D cell culture 3D high content confocal imaging assays.

Visikol is an expert in cell culturing and the generation of complex biologies such as 3D cell culture models and bioprinted tissues. Visikol works closely with Clients to develop biologies that meet their specific research requirements such as cost, throughput and in vivo relevancy. Visikol has in house cell culturing capabilities and one of the most comprehensive suites of characterization tools in the industry including high content confocal microscopy and plate reading.

Visikol is an expert in optical imaging with imaging tools that include confocal and light sheet microscopy as well as high content confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, slide scanning, plate reading, optical project tomography and ultrasound. Visikol provides not only imaging services but also quantitative image analysis services and fluorescent labeling services.

Visikol is an expert in optical imaging with imaging tools that include confocal and light sheet microscopy as well as high content confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, slide scanning, plate reading, optical project tomography and ultrasound. Visikol provides not only imaging services but also quantitative image analysis services for both 2D and 3D data sets.

Visikol provides immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent labeling services to its Clients and is unique in this space as it can label traditional slides and also 3D tissues for 3D tissue imaging via confocal or light sheet microscopy.

Visikol is an expert in advanced imaging and image analysis and also provides histopathological consultation for samples when needed.

Visikol is an expert in optical imaging with imaging tools that include confocal and light sheet microscopy as well as high content confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, slide scanning, plate reading, optical project tomography and ultrasound.

Visikol provides immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent labeling services to its Clients and is unique in this space as it can label traditional slides and also 3D tissues for 3D tissue imaging via confocal or light sheet microscopy. Visikol had optimized several protocols for deep immunolabeling and can develop customized protocols for Clients to use internally or for use with Visikol's imaging and image analysis services as an end-to-end assay.

At Visikol we have a wide range of digital microscopy solutions including plate reading, slide scanning, confocal microscopy, light sheet microscopy and optical projection tomography. We use these tools to generate large data sets for our Clients and then leverage our suite of 2D and 3D image analysis tools to transform these data sets into actionable insights for our Clients.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

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.

While we have standard cell culture models that we use with our Clients, we also recognize that many of our Clients will have unique research questions that require unique biologies. We work with our Clients to develop and validate custom cell culture models ranging in complexity from simple one cell type 2D cell culture models to highly complex mult-cell-type 3D cell culture models. We also partner with our Clients to develop a characterization approach inclusive of label optimization, imaging optimization and data processing.

We provide our customers with tissue embedding, sectioning and staining services. We can also execute slide scanning and digital image analysis if required for a specific type of research question. We have validated a wide range of labels and can optimize new labels if required.

We provide our customers with tissue embedding, sectioning and staining services. We can also execute slide scanning and digital image analysis if required for a specific type of research question. We have validated a wide range of labels and can optimize new labels if required.

We provide our customers with tissue embedding, sectioning and staining services. We can also execute slide scanning and digital image analysis if required for a specific type of research question. We have validated a wide range of labels and can optimize new labels if required.

At Visikol we provide cell and tissue culture services ranging from simple 2D cell culture all the way to bioprinting. We consider ourselves experts in generating, validating and characterizing 3D cell culture models with standardized models as well as custom model development services. We work with primary cells, iPSC's as well as cell lines. We work closely with our Clients to develop cell and tissue culture models that meet their specific research questions and can conduct end-to-end drug discovery assays leveraging these models if needed. We can also develop a model and transfer the protocols to our Clients for internal use.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

At Visikol we have a wide range of imaging solutions including slide scanning and confocal microscopy for individual slides.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

At Visikol we are experts in imaging and in our facility provide imaging services that leverage confocal microscopy, high content imaging, plate reading, MRI, X-ray CT, light sheet microscopy, OCT, OPT and ultrasound imaging.

We have developed a suite of image analysis software tools called 3Screen that allow us to transform slides into quantitative data sets once we have imaged them using our slide scanning services. We then mine these data sets for actionable insights so that our Clients can make more informed decisions. This analysis includes simple outputs such as tumor area or the percent of CD3 positive cells all the way to machine learning based biomarker identification. We are the first CRO to develop machine learning 21 CFR part 11 compliant software for use with clinical samples and work closely with our Clients to develop application specific solutions.

At Visikol we have executed on a wide range of different types of HTS projects from enzymatic endpoints to high content confocal imaging endpoints. We combine these endpoints with our advanced data analysis pipelines to transform large data sets into actionable insights.

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Pharmacology & Toxicology Services