Label free and non-destructive imaging approach for cell line selection of genetically modified functional Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most widely used cell line for the recombinant expression of human therapeutics. To investigate a select cell line monoclonal antibody production, we monitor NAD(P)H, a crucial enzymatic cofactor, and an auto-fluorescent bio-marker, with two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (2P-FLIM). This represents a high-resolution, label-free technique for longitudinally characterizing a changing environment (if any) during metabolic transitions. 2P-FLIM analysis of NAD(P)H in four different CHO cell lines helps us predict productive cell types from others. A detailed single cell analysis is also presented that can separate cell types based on optical and morphological classification.