SensoSphere
Oxygen-sensing microcavity arrays for 3D cell cultures
SensoSphere arrays add integrated oxygen sensing to the CaviSphere® platform. Each microcavity contains an oxygen-sensitive layer, allowing you to monitor oxygen in the immediate microenvironment of 3D spheroids and organoids. This makes it possible to study oxygen dynamics, gradients and oxygen consumption in 3D models using familiar microscopy and plate-based workflows.
Why measure oxygen directly in 3D cell cultures?
Oxygen is a key parameter in cell metabolism, signalling and drug response – especially in 3D structures where gradients can form. However, in many 3D models the actual oxygen levels around spheroids and organoids are unknown.
SensoSphere helps to close this gap by:
- providing local oxygen readouts at the level of individual 3D aggregates
- enabling experiments that link morphological, functional and oxygen data
- supporting more physiologically relevant culture conditions when combined with appropriate gas control
This additional layer of information can improve the interpretation of toxicity assays, functional readouts and advanced 3D models.
Key features
- Integrated optical oxygen sensors in each microcavity
- Real-time oxygen readouts in 3D spheroids and organoids
- Compatible with fluorescence microscopy and dedicated readout devices
- Available as SensoSphere sensor inserts and SensoSphere sensor films
- Same microcavity concept as MicroSphere and PoroSphere
- Suitable for advanced assays such as 3D mito stress tests
How SensoSphere measures oxygen
Each SensoSphere microcavity is lined with an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent layer. The sensing principle is based on dynamic fluorescence quenching:
- the sensor dye is excited by light
- in the absence of oxygen, it emits fluorescence
- in the presence of oxygen, collisions between oxygen molecules and the excited dye lead to a reduction in fluorescence
By analysing the fluorescence signal relative to a reference, the local oxygen concentration can be determined. SensoSphere can be read out using suitable fluorescence microscopes. In collaboration with PreSens Precision Sensing GmbH, dedicated measurement devices and evaluation tools are available for SensoSphere arrays.
SensoSphere as inserts and sheets
SensoSphere sensor inserts
- Ready-to-use for standard plate formats
- Suitable for experiments where you want to combine 3D culture, oxygen measurements and imaging in the same insert
- Ideal for academic labs and screening applications that require oxygen as an additional readout
SensoSphere sensor sheets
- Sensor films for integration into custom devices and Organ-on-Chip systems
- Allow you to place oxygen-sensing microcavities exactly where you need them in a microfluidic setup
- A good option for collaborative projects and specialised measurement scenarios
Typical applications and 3D mito stress tests
SensoSphere is particularly suited for experiments where oxygen consumption and gradients carry important information:
- 3D mito stress tests
Assess changes in oxygen consumption rates of spheroids and organoids over time in response to mitochondrial modulators. - Toxicity and mode-of-action studies
Relate viability and functional readouts to oxygen consumption and recovery. - Oxygen gradient characterisation
Monitor how oxygen levels evolve in and around 3D structures under different culture conditions.
Example: oxygen consumption dynamics of HepG2-spheroids during a mito stress test measured with SensoSphere.
Integration into your workflows and data analysis
SensoSphere is designed to fit into existing lab setups:
- can be read out with suitable fluorescence microscopes
- can be combined with dedicated PreSens readout devices and software
- compatible with image-based analysis of 3D structures and time series
Because SensoSphere shares the same microcavity concept as MicroSphere and PoroSphere, you can:
- start with standard 3D models on MicroSphere or PoroSphere
- and later transfer established assays to SensoSphere when oxygen measurements become relevant
