Advancing 3D spatial analysis with high-multiplex imaging

Leica Microsystems, a leader in microscopy and scientific instrumentation, has introduced SpectraPlex, a 3D high-multiplex solution designed for spatial discoveries on the STELLARIS confocal platform. This innovation sets a new standard for 3D spatial phenotyping in life sciences.

Omics techniques - Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics - have become central to life science research, enabling a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal relationships between biological components in both healthy and diseased states.

“SpectraPlex was developed to enable researchers to capture more spatially resolved 3D data when studying complex disease states, offering insights into pathological conditions,” said James O’Brien, Vice President of Life Sciences and Applied Solutions at Leica Microsystems. “This solution can help uncover new cell types, identify cellular states, and map functional relationships in a 3D spatial context, advancing our understanding of disease progression and aiding in the identification of therapeutic targets.”

SpectraPlex features a fully integrated workflow that allows scientists to capture detailed 3D data at the right resolution with more than 15 markers in a single experiment, far exceeding traditional multicolor imaging capabilities. Additionally, SpectraPlex offers an offline tool to design experiments and explore optimal dye combinations for high-multiplex imaging. Users can define a panel, triggering real-time calculations to suggest microscope settings that maximise the signal-to-noise ratio while minimising crosstalk. Experienced users can adjust settings to account for sample-specific variances.

In SpectraPlex, unmixed data and raw images are automatically generated to streamline further analysis. Tailored segmentation and downstream analysis powered by Aivia - Leica Microsystems’ AI image analysis software - ensure accurate interpretation of high-resolution, 3D data for over 15 labels.

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