Cell Migration, Invasion & Adhesion Assays

Unlock the dynamics of cell motility and adhesion with our expertly designed assays, essential for cancer metastasis research, tissue engineering, and immunology. Our robust platforms quantify how cells migrate, invade extracellular matrices, and adhere to biologically relevant substrates—translating complex cellular behaviors into actionable data.

Our standardized scratch or wound healing assay offers a simple yet powerful way to measure collective cell migration. After creating a defined gap on a confluent monolayer, we document how cells migrate to close the wound in real-time using high-resolution time-lapse microscopy. This kinetic data reveals migration rates and patterns, critical for evaluating pro-migratory or inhibitory treatments.

We perform rigorous Transwell or Boyden chamber assays to quantify directional migration of single cells through porous membranes. For invasion studies, membranes are coated with Matrigel to mimic the basement membrane barrier, enabling evaluation of invasive potential under in vivo-like ECM conditions. Quantitative endpoint staining coupled with automated imaging ensures precise and reproducible results.

Using Matrigel and native ECM substrates, our invasion assays assess how cells degrade and traverse complex 3D environments. Integrated real-time imaging platforms track single and collective cell movement at high temporal resolution, allowing detailed analysis of speed, directionality, and invasive phenotype.

We quantify cell adhesion strength and dynamics on ECM proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin—key players in tissue architecture and signaling. Employing luminescence-based or fluorescent assays, we measure the number and viability of cells adhering to coated surfaces, enabling sensitive detection of adhesion modulation by therapeutics or genetic interventions.