Isolate Cells with Surgical Precision
Non-contact systems designed for reliable, high-fidelity molecular analysis.
Precision Cell Isolation for Molecular Clarity
Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) Systems empower researchers to isolate specific cells or microscopic regions from tissue sections under direct visualization. This enables high-fidelity molecular analysis—by eliminating cellular noise and ensuring sample purity.
At Cellular Tissue Analysis, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, our LCM platforms combine high-resolution optics, targeted laser control, and contamination-free collection systems, enabling researchers to retrieve intact, analyzable biomolecules from defined tissue microenvironments.
Core Components of LCM Systems
Hardware Platform
a. Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy integration:
Imaging Sensors (CCD/sCMOS)
Enable high-resolution visualization of cellular morphology and fluorescent markers.
b. Real-time imaging with digital zoom and autofocus:
Autofocus & Optical Zoom Sensors
Support real-time clarity and magnification adjustments for precise microdissection targeting.
c. Annotations for region-of-interest (ROI) selection:
Touch & Image Coordinate Sensors
Allow user-defined ROI mapping and feedback for accurate dissection zones.
d. Infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) laser options:
Wavelength-Specific Laser Emission Sensors
Ensure calibration, safety, and consistency of IR/UV laser wavelengths.
e. Direct laser targeting or contact-free laser pressure catapulting:
Laser Trajectory & Beam Position Sensors
Guide and validate laser path for both direct cuts and pressure-assisted ejection.
Sample Stage & Control Interface
- Motorized stage with micro-scale precision
- User interface for ROI marking and automated cutting
- XY and Z-axis control for thick or layered sections
Capture System
- Adhesive caps, gravity-based collection, or catapult systems
- Integration with PCR tubes, microcentrifuge caps, or slides
- Options for dry or liquid capture
Key Features
Contact-free isolation—no contamination risk
Capture of single cells or multi-cell regions
Compatible with frozen and FFPE tissue types
Maintains integrity of RNA, DNA, and proteins
Compatible with downstream NGS, RT-PCR, or proteomics
Application Areas
Cancer Research: Tumor vs. stroma separation, single-cell mutation analysis
Neurology: Dissection of brain subregions or neuron types
Pathology: Extraction of rare cell types from biopsies
Infectious Disease: Host-pathogen interaction zones
Epigenetics: Region-specific chromatin and DNA studies
Benefits of Our LCM Systems
- Highly specific enrichment of target cell populations
- Minimize sample dilution and molecular cross-talk
- Enables study of tissue heterogeneity at cellular resolution
- Facilitates molecular diagnostics and biomarker discovery
- Ideal for limited or precious clinical specimens
Integration Capabilities
- Workflow compatibility with RNA-seq, DNA methylation, and qPCR
- Exportable ROI data for annotation and imaging overlays
- Integration with digital pathology and image analysis platforms
- Connectivity with LIMS and ELN for traceability
Industries & End Users
- Molecular Pathology & Histology Labs
- Academic Medical Research Centers
- Cancer Genomics & Immuno-oncology Research
- Pharma/biotech R&D for biomarker validation
- Clinical Translational Research Programs
Compliance & Quality Standards
- Compatible with CAP/CLIA-accredited workflows
- RNA integrity assurance for FFPE protocols
- Supports Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Decontamination features for clean-room labs
- Meets MIAME and STRENDA data reporting standards
North American Case Studies
U.S – Academic Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Used LCM to isolate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from colorectal cancer sections for RNA-seq, identifying unique gene expression profiles associated with immune evasion.
Canada – Neuroscience Institute, Vancouver, BC
Applied LCM to dissect dopaminergic neuron populations in Parkinson’s disease tissue, enabling region-specific transcriptomic analysis.
U.S – Biotech Startup, Houston, TX
Incorporated LCM in biomarker discovery pipeline to extract rare epithelial cells from early-stage breast cancer tissues for methylation profiling.
Want to experience the power of precision isolation?
Contact Cellular Tissue Analysis to schedule a demo or receive tailored quotes and workflow recommendations for your LCM needs.