Markéta Šuráňová is currently a researcher at Brno Technical University, her most recent work focuses on the potential of migrastatics.

I am researching live cancer cells in vitro that were exposed to selected medicaments with a presumed antimigration activity that implies antimetastatic potential. Q-Phase microscope in time-lapse mode was used to assess the dynamics of migration, the plasticity of morphology, and the growth or deterioration of the challenged tumor cells by weighing them. The result of this analysis led up to the ability to recognize the risk of the emergence of the invasive cancer cell phenotype and the way to detect it happened.

What do you find the most fascinating about your research?

The most fascinating of this research and imaging techniques is the ability to monitor cells with a non-invasive method. We can obtain not only phase imaging (QPI) but also DIC and amplitude. Another advantage is undoubtedly the measurement of the dry weight of the cells. This microscope is suitable for the analysis of dynamic and morphological changes in cells during some period of time.

Could you describe your experience using Q-Phase?

The advantage of the Q-Phase microscope is the ability to scan cells non-invasively. See high-resolution cell morphology and examine the phenotype. After time-lapse scanning of cells, it is possible to use SophiQ software to display the trajectories of individual cells and then display time graphs, such as time analysis of the speed of cell movement, or changes in mass and area of cells.
The microscope is suitable for scanning multiple fields of view on a sample. This allows us to measure, for example, multiple samples at once.

Future research plans?

I plan to complete the analysis of the dynamic and morphological properties of cells induced by migrastatics. And then I start scanning the movement of cells in the 3D environment using a Q-Phase holographic microscope.

Watch a full Q-Phase video testimonial.