PHCbi
PHC Corporation of North America, a Member of PHC Group Live Cell Metabolic Analyzer

Live Cell Metabolic Pathway Analyzer
 

Understanding Cell Metabolism

Glycolysis plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism, where cells absorb glucose and convert it into lactate. Historically, studying this metabolic process relied on collecting glucose and lactate concentration data at specific time points during the day. However, this approach offered only brief glimpses into the cells' metabolic activity, limiting the depth of analysis.
 
LiCellMo transforms metabolic analysis by offering continuous, real-time monitoring of cellular activity — delivering minute-by-minute insights into cell states. Its advanced in-line system precisely measures both glucose uptake and lactate production within the same culture medium, providing a clear picture of cell growth and differentiation. Because this method eliminates the need for manual sampling, the same cells remain available for further testing after the assay. This cutting-edge technology opens new doors for overcoming challenges in metabolic research and driving innovative discoveries.
 


The benefits of LiCellMo over periodic sampling methods.

 
Save Time
LiCellMo does not require a researcher on-call after set up as metabolic data will be collected continuously without manual sampling.
Capture Real-Time Metabolic Data
LiCellMo offers uninterrupted, real-time insights into glucose and lactate metabolism, providing minute-by-minute data on metabolic pathways.
Reduce Chances of Contamination
LiCellMo helps minimize the number of times samples are handled, so the cell culture remains undisturbed during experimentation and minimizing contamination risk.
Reduce Stress on Cells
LiCellMo allows you to keep cultures in their preferred culture environment providing optimal culturing conditions and reducing cell stress.
Preserve Cell Samples
LiCellMo does not require addition of dyes or reagents to cell cultures, allowing researchers to preserve cells for further evaluation after measurement.
 
 
 

How can you continuously monitor cell metabolism?

To begin, insert the detector into the CO2 incubator. Attach the sensor module and plate adapter to a standard 24-well plate. Once the plate is positioned in the detector, real-time measurements can be easily monitored via the touch-panel controller. This user-friendly setup is compatible with a wide range of laboratory environments. Plate adapters — designed to fit five different commercially available 24-well plates — are sold separately and work with any culture media, giving users the flexibility to use their preferred tools and reagents.

 
* sensor module has a shelf life of 8.5 months from manufacture date and requires refrigerated storage conditions.
 

Continuous monitoring can benefit research like:

Regenerative medicine research: metabolic analysis can help ensure that developing organoids better simulate in-vivo metabolic activity.
Disease modeling: metabolic analysis of specially designed cell cultures can provide insight into the metabolic perturbations associated with diseases.
Therapeutic development: metabolic analysis of cell cultures can indicate how they respond to theadministration of therapeutic candidates.
Insights into cellular processes: metabolic analysis can reveal the differentiation state of cells.

About PHC's in-line monitoring technology

The in-line monitoring technology used in LiCellMo builds on the core technology of the blood glucose sensor developed by PHC's diabetes management business which provides high-quality blood glucose monitoring (BGM) systems globally to meet the diverse needs of people living with diabetes mellitus. LiCellMo combines BGM sensor technology with in-line monitoring technology to measure glycolysis as one of the cellular metabolic pathways.

What are electrochemical sensors?

The LiCellMo in-line electrochemical sensors are coated with glucose and lactate specific enzymes. Upon each interaction with glucose or lacate, each sensor converts the electrochemical interaction to an electrical charge, which is quantified as changes in relative voltage.

Specifications*

Product summary Items monitored Glucose, lactate (simultaneous continuous measurement of both items)
Main device components Controller, Detector, Plate adapter (optional product)
Main consumables Sensor module (single use)
Compatible plates 24-well plate
(Compatible with 5 commercial products)
Monitoring duration Maximum 10 days
Measurement range Glucose: 1 to 27 mM (0.18 to 4.86 g/L)
Lactate: 1.5 to 15 mM (0.14 to 1.35 g/L)
Controller External dimensions Width 371 mm × Depth 200 mm × Height 295 mm
Weight 2.5 kg (excluding accessories)
Screen 15.6-inch-wide touch panel display
Extendibility Wired connectivity for up to 4 detectors
Detector External dimensions Width 162 mm × Depth 290 mm × Height 118 mm
Weight 4.7 kg
Installation Inside CO2 incubator
Number of units installable in PHCbi incubators* MCO-50 series MCO-170 series, MCO-171AICUVD, MCO-230 series
Max. 1 unit Max. 4 units 92 units x 2 tiers)

*If installing two detectors on one shelf, use a dedicated reinforced tray (MCO-170RT-PW / MCO-230RTRT-PW)

 
*LiCellMo is available for purchase in the U.S., Canada, and select other geographies globally. For research and education use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures in the U.S. or Canada. This product has not been approved or cleared as a medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada.*

External view and dimensions**

Cell Metabolism Analysis

**The color of the product in this web page may slightly differ from the actual color.

**Specifications, ratings and designs are subject to change without notice.

 
 

FAQ

What can I do with the LiCellMo?
The LiCellMo is an analytical device for use in research that can continuously measure changes in the concentration of glucose and lactate in cells in culture. Using the changes in concentration of glucose and lactate and their metabolic rates, the data can show the degree of dependence on the glycolysis and the state of metabolism activation as continuous changes. The LiCellMo features the ability to carry out continuous, highly accurate measurements and comparisons of metabolism in a normal culture environment.
What are the features of the LiCellMo in comparison to other devices that measure culture media?
Regular culture medium analyzers require sampling of the medium, whereas the LiCellMo can carry out continuous measurement without the need for sampling. Also, while methods that use continuous sensors or near-infrared measurement devices allow continuous measurement, the LiCellMo allows simultaneous measurements to be easily carried out in a 24-well plate, making it extremely convenient for situations such as comparisons of different experimental conditions.
How is the device configured?
The LiCellMo consists of a detector that measures metabolism in a CO2 incubator, and a controller that operates the detector and checks the measurement data. The sensor module incorporates 24 sensors, allowing simultaneous measurement of glucose and lactate concentrations in each well of a 24-well plate.
What kind of environment can the LiCellMo be used in?
You can use any incubator in which the detector (W162×D280×H118 mm, weight 5 kg) can be installed. We recommend the PHCbi MCO-50, 170, and 230AIC series incubators. The detector can also be installed in other incubators; please contact us for details. Space is also needed to install the controller near the incubator.
What will I need to carry out measurements with the LiCellMo?
You will need to prepare the medium and cells used in the experiment, a 24-well plate, and any reagents to be added. You will also need a glucose-free medium and commercial lactate reagents for calibration, and you will need to prepare any other equipment and consumables required for cell culture. Sensor modules are consumables and plate adapters are accessories both available for purchase from PHCNA to fit your 24-well plates. *Our plate adaptors have different designs to fit various plates. Please contact us for details on compatible adapter and plate combinations.
How should the sensor modules be stored?
Sensor modules must be stored at 2–8°C.
What principle is the measurement based on?
The electrons generated by enzymatic reactions of glucose and lactate are measured as current values by electrochemical sensors.
What is the procedure for metabolic analysis?
Before carrying out measurements with cells, two types of media with known concentrations are measured to create a calibration curve. Normal culture operations such as changing the medium, passaging, and adding reagents can be carried out during the measurement. Measurement data are acquired every minute, and the data can be used to derive metabolic rate data every 15 minutes.
What media and reagents does the LiCellMo support?
The measurement range is ≤27 mM for glucose and ≤15 mM for lactate, and there are proven results from measurement with RPMI 1640 medium, DMEM medium, and other specialized media. Results have also been obtained with 3-BP and oligomycin as additive reagents. Measurement results will depend on the experimental conditions; therefore, we recommend that you carry out trial runs first to confirm performance.
What types of cells can be used?
Measurement results have been obtained with various cell lines, including T cells and iPS cells. The effect of the sensor on cells will be confirmed in accordance with ISO 10993-5: 2009. Measurement results will depend on the experimental conditions; therefore, we recommend that you carry out trial runs first to confirm performance.
How should the device be cleaned and sterilized?
The provided sensor module is gamma-radiated, and is for single use only. It should not be used repeatedly. The plate adapter can be sterilized in an autoclave, and is suitable for repeated use. The exterior and part of the interior of the detector and the controller can be cleaned with ethanol. Do not use hydrogen peroxide for decontamination. Refer to Operating Instruction manual for additional cleaning and maintenance information.

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