Luna STEM cell counter

Stem cell research places uniquely stringent demands on cell counting and viability assessment. Subtle changes in handling, staining, or analysis can have outsized effects on differentiation potential, expansion efficiency, and experimental reproducibility. The LUNA-STEM automated cell counter was designed specifically to address these sensitivities, with analysis algorithms and workflows optimized for stem cells and fragile primary populations.

Why Stem Cells Are a Special Case

Unlike immortalized cell lines, stem cells often display variable morphology, size heterogeneity, and sensitivity to mechanical and chemical stress. Pluripotent stem cells, in particular, are prone to forming clusters, exhibiting uneven membrane permeability, and responding unpredictably to standard viability dyes.

Traditional counting methods frequently misclassify small debris as cells or fail to resolve tightly associated clusters, leading to inaccurate seeding densities and inconsistent differentiation outcomes. In stem cell workflows, these errors are not trivial—they can alter lineage commitment and experimental timelines.

Algorithmic Design for Fragile Cells

The LUNA-STEM differentiates itself through analysis algorithms tailored to stem cell morphology and behavior. Rather than applying generic size and shape filters, the system is optimized to recognize the rounded, phase-bright appearance of viable stem cells while excluding apoptotic bodies and debris.

https://www.wisbiomed.com/content/automated-cell-counter-fluorescent-fl-model-lb-l20001