Sample requirements Scale Biosciences

This page provides more information on samples requirements for projects in which Scale Biosciences’s QuantumScale chemistry will be used.

Cell viability > 70%

We strongly advise to only proceed with processing of samples that have over 70% viable cells. If you know or are concerned your cells viability is under 70%, please contact us to discuss the best way to proceed.

Number of cells/nuclei

Depending on the targeted number of cells, different cell numbers will be required as starting material.

*) Further multiplexing is possible using ScalePlex
**) It is recommended to provide at least the indicated amounts of cells to account for cell loss during thawing, washing and counting

For tissue samples, the same numbers apply to the number of nuclei that need to be extracted for each respective kit. As the numbers of nuclei can vary between different tissue types, we recommend providing a mock sample which can be used to determine the number of extracted nuclei.

Our standard minimum input for nuclei extractions is 50 mg of tissue. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding this.

Sample types compatible with the workflow

Below you can find the sample types that are compatible with the workflow.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have additional questions.

• Cryopreserved (cells) – we thaw the cells and perform QC before fixing the cells using the fixation protocol provided by Scale Biosciences.
  • Note: it is advised to send us one extra vial of cells/nuclei for QC purposes. We can use this to check the cell concentration and viability prior fixation. If we discover a problem with the sample (e.g. cell number too low, or clumpy cells), there is still an opportunity to reach out and discuss the best next steps.
• Snap frozen tissue – we perform nuclei extraction and fix the nuclei using the fixation protocol provided by Scale Biosciences.
• Samples fixed using the fixation protocol provided by Scale Biosciences and stored according to the instructions in the protocol.
  • It is advised to send us one extra vial of fixed cells/nuclei for QC purposes. We can use this to check the cell concentration and quality of the single cell suspension prior to starting the actual experiment. If we discover a problem with the sample (e.g. cell number too low, or clumpy cells), there is still an opportunity to reach out and discuss the best next steps.
  • Note: samples fixed using different protocols or chemicals might not be compatible with the Scale Biosciences workflow.

Shipment

Samples should be shipped in a Styrofoam box with enough dry ice. Please check our shipping section for more information.