CellVoyager CQ1 enables 3D imaging and quantification of live cell clusters, such as spheroids within a 3D culture vessel, as they are, keeping the cells intact. CellVoyager CQ1 exports feature data in general formats which are readable by various third-party software for advanced data analysis. It is possible to construct a fully customized CellVoyager CQ1-based system by integrating with external systems*1, via robot for culture dish handling.
CellVoyager CQ1 System Highlights
Excitation laser wavelength | 405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 640 nm |
Illumination source | Laser |
Objective lens | 2x to 60x (Dry, Phase contrast, Long working distance) |
Camera | High-sensitivity sCMOS camera |
Autofocus | Laser autofocus, Software autofocus |
Software | CellPathfinder |
Enables measurement of spheroids, colonies, and tissue sections
- No need to remove cells from the culture dish, in contrast to traditional flow cytometry
- Nipkow spinning disk confocal technology allows high-speed yet gentle 3D image acquisition
- Rich feature extraction to facilitate sophisticated cellular image analysis
- Wide field of view and tiling capability enables easy imaging of large specimen
Enables analysis of time-lapse and live-cell
- High precision stage incubator and low phototoxicity of our confocal makes the analysis of time-lapse and live-cell are possible
- Max.20fps option for fast time lapse*1

High-quality image and similar operability to a traditional flow cytometer
- Feature data and statistical graphs displayed in real-time with image acquisition
- Usable high-quality image as confocal microscope image.
- Easy to trace back to the original image from a graph spot, and make repetitive measurements
Open platform
- Connectable with external systems via handling robot*2
- Expandable to the integrated system as image acquisition and quantification instrument
- FCS/CSV/ICE data format readable by third-party data analysis software
- A variety of cell culture and sample dishes are applicable
Compact footprint, lightweight bench-top device; no need for a darkroom
CQ1 | General fluorescent imaging | Flow cytometry | |
---|---|---|---|
Cell removal/suspension treatment | Not necessary | Not necessary | Necessary |
Cell image confirmation | Possible | Possible | Not possible |
Display feature data and graphs in real-time with imaging | Possible | Depends on devices | Possible |
3D data measurement | Possible | Not possible | Not possible |
Time lapse | Possible | Not possible | Not possible |
*1 Option
*2 Contact to CQ1 partner for more information
Details
Multiple functions fully integrated in a compact box
Compact design contains fully integrated multiple functions to offer easy-to-handle confocal imaging system, without a need for complicated system integration. You only need to set a sample and run the software. User-friendly interface and versatile functions support your measurement and analysis.
Principles of the Microlens-enhanced Nipkow Disk Scanning Technology
A Nipkow spinning disk containing about 20,000 pinholes and a subsidiary spinning disk containing the same number of microlenses to focus excitation laser light into each corresponding pinhole are mechanically fixed on a motor, and very rapidly rotated. As a result, a high-speed raster scan of the excitation lights on the specimen can be achieved. The pinhole and microlenses are arranged on each disk in our proprietary design to optimize the raster scan. Multi-beam scanning not only increases scanning speed but also results in significantly lower photobleaching and phototoxicity because multi-beam excitation needs only a low level of laser power on the specimen to fully excite fluorescence.
System integration with CellVoyager CQ1
Measurement Procedure
Stage Incubator
The stage heater controls the temperature, humidity, and CO₂ / O₂ concentration of the sample environment to maintain the incubation environment and enable time-lapse imaging.Using 3D time-lapse imaging, detailed reactions of intracellular organelles and dynamic movements such as cell migration can be captured and analyzed without missing a beat.Combined with a special gas mixer, time-lapse imaging is possible for up to 72 hours.
Specification | |
---|---|
Controllable temperature range | Room temperature +5 – +17 ℃, Max. 40 ℃ |
Settable temperature resolution | 0.1℃ |
Temperature stability | < ±1 ℃ (Setting: 37 ℃, room temperature: 23 ℃ ± 2 ℃, measured point: center and 4 corners of 96 wells microplate) |
Time to stabilize temperature | 1 hour |
Humidit | Humidifier with a water bath unit Manual water supply (No automatic water supply) |
The gas mixer for CellVoyagerTM CQ1
Analysis software (Option)
High content analysis system CellPathfinder*1 Click Here For More Info!
- Preset analysis menus for a variety of applications
- Flexible graph functions to display analysis results
- Direct link between chart and object imageMachine learning
Machine learning
Software learns the features of the sampleobjects collected by users.
3D analysis

Label-free analysis
DPC*2 function is a powerful tool to analyze unstained bright field samples.
*1 Optional software
*2 Digital phase contrast
Example of setup
Item | Specifications |
---|---|
Optics | Microlens enhanced dual wide Nipkow disk confocal, Phase contrast (Optional add-on) |
Laser/Filter | Laser : Choose 2-4 lasers from 405/488/561/640nm, 10-position Filter wheel (built-in) |
Camera | sCMOS 2000×2000pixel, 13.0×13.0mm |
Objective lens | Max.6 lenses (Dry: 2x, 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x Long working distance: 20x, 40x Phase contrast: 10x, 20x ) |
Sample vessel | Microplate (6, 24, 96, 384 well), Slide glass, Cover glass chamber, Dish (35, 60mm) |
XY stage | High-precision XY stage, designated resolution 0.1µm |
Z focus | Electric Z motor, designated resolution 0.1µm |
Autofocus | Laser autofocus, Software autofocus |
Feature data | Number of cells/cellular granules, Intensity, Volume, Surface area, Area, Perimeter, Diameter, Sphericity, Circularity, etc |
Data format | Measurement data format: Original format (CQ1 format, CV8000 format), captured image format (16bit TIFF - OME-TIFF format) Output image format: TIFF (16bit, 8bit), PNG, JPEG Output video format: WMV, MP4 Output numerical format: FCS, CSV, ICE |
Fast time-lapse (Option) | Selectable from Max.100fps or Max.20fps |
Workstation | Measurement and analysis workstation |
Gas Mixer (Option) | Long-time model : CO2 concentration 5 - 18 % Hypoxia model : CO2 concentration 5 - 20 %, O2 concentration 0.1 - 18 % |
Size/weight | Main unit : 600×400×437mm 44kg Utility box : 275×432×298mm 18kg Gas Mixer (Option) Long-time model : 275 x 432 x 298mm, 9.3kg Gas Mixer (Option) Hypoxia model : 160 x 260 x 187mm, 5.2kg |
Environment | Main unit and Utility box : 15 - 35℃, 20 - 70 % RH No condensation Gas Mixer (Option) Long-time model : 15 - 30℃, 20 - 70%RH No condensation Gas Mixer (Option) Hypoxia model : 20 - 30℃, 10 - 85%RH No condensation |
Power consumption | Main unit and Utility box : 100-240VAC 800VAmax, Workstation : 100-240VAC 950VAmax Gas Mixer (Option) Long-time model : 100 - 240 VAC, 60 VAmax Gas Mixer (Option) Hypoxia model : 100 - 240 VAC, 50 VAmax |
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Collaborator

De Novo Software
(product name: FCS Express Image Cytometry)

De Novo Software has been developing flow cytometer data analysis solutions since 1998. Our flagship product, FCS Express™, is world-renowned as a robust, and easy to use flow and image cytometry data analysis application. De Novo Software offers a dedicated image analysis and reporting package for Image Cytometry to improve your workflow and results while giving you access to single cell results evening with high content screening data. FCS Express Image cytometry is directly compatible with the Yokogawa CQ1 quantitative image cytometer through the .ICE file format which enables quick import, analysis, and reporting of your results in FCS Express.
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CellPathfinder
CellPathfinder is designed for our HCA systems, CQ1 and the CellVoyager series. From beginners to experts, the analysis software lets you quantify subtle physiological changes and even label-free samples with various graph options.
Resources
PhenoVista Biosciences is the leading provider of custom, imaging-based, phenotypic assay services. With a collaborative and scientifically driven project design and management approach, PhenoVista has a proven track record of delivering high-quality data from robust and scalable assays. PhenoVista’s key advantage lies in the ability of their industry-trained scientists to combine world-class understanding of diverse biological systems with cutting-edge quantitative imaging to deliver clear, actionable output data.
drug discovery and drug development for an interrelated set of disorders that emanate from type II diabetes and obesity
In this application, the combination of the CQ1 with the stocker with Incubator and CellPathfinder enabled continuous and automatic long-term observation of the process of single cells forming colonies.
Cell clusters are directly measured with high-throughput 3D imaging Confocal Quantitative Image Cytometer
The CQ1 confocal image acquisition mechanism with the distinctive CSU® unit has a function to sequentially acquire fine cell images along the Z-axis and capture information from the entire thickness of
cells which include heterogenic populations of various cell cycle stages. In addition, saved digital images can be useful for precise observation and analysis of spatial distribution of intracellular molecules.
The CQ1 capability to seamlessly analyze images and obtain data for things such as cell population statistics to individual cell morphology will provide benefits for both basic research and drug discovery
targetingM-cell cycle phase.
Cell stage categorized using FucciTime lapse imaging of Fucci-added Hela cells was conducted over 48 hrs at 1 hr intervals. Gating was performed based on the mean intensities of 488 nm and 561 nm for each cell. They were categorized into four stages, and the cell count for each was calculated.
List of Selected Publications : CQ1
Downloads
Videos
YOKOGAWA will contribute to technology evolution particularly in measurement and analytical tools to help build a world where researchers will increasingly focus on insightful interpretation of data, and advancing Life Science to benefit humanity.
In this webinar, Professor Jonny Sexton discusses a pipeline, developed in the Sexton lab, for the quantitative high-throughput image-based screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection to identify potential antiviral mechanisms and allow selection of appropriate drug combinations to treat COVID-19. This webinar presents evidence that morphological profiling can robustly identify new potential therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as drugs that potentially worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
Discover how generative AI and automation are revolutionizing neuroscience drug discovery by enabling scalable, high-throughput human iPSC neuronal models with unprecedented efficiency and translatability, reducing the reliance on less relevant cell lines.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How to scale and standardize iPSC-derived neuronal models to overcome challenges in complexity, reproducibility, and throughput;
- How integrating iPSC neuronal models early in drug discovery can reduce reliance on less relevant cell lines and improve research translatability;
- How the Neuron Factory platform uses automation, brightfield microscopy, and generative AI to accelerate high-throughput screening and medicinal chemistry workflows.
Are you looking to improve laboratory workflows, data management, and imaging analysis?
This webinar covers the integration of a high-content imager into a modern laboratory automation system and workflows built to utilize it. This on-demand webinar describes the integration topology used in the High Throughput Bioscience Center at St. Jude and the technical challenges that emerged pertaining to data handling and analysis. The webinar addresses the variety of ways we have used our high-content imager in the context of a high throughput screening center, using examples of experiment workflows from recent users.
Key Topics:
- Body Copy:
- Key considerations for integrating a high-content imager into a laboratory robot system
- Methods for interfacing between robots and the imager
- Important considerations for imaging data management and analysis
- How the St. Jude High Throughput Bioscience Center supports the diverse imaging needs of its projects
3D imaging experts from Yokogawa and Insphero have come together to provide helpful tips and tricks on acquiring the best 3D spheroid and organoid imaging. This webinar focuses on sample preparation, imaging, and analysis for both fixed and live cells in High Content Screening assays. The experts also discuss automated tools that can help researchers understand the large volume of data in these High Content Imaging Analysis Systems.
Physiologically relevant 3D cell models are being adopted for disease modeling, drug discovery and preclinical research due to their functional and architectural similarity to their tissue/sample of origin, especially for oncology research. Multifunctional profiling and assays using 3D cell models such as tumoroids tend to be manual and tedious. Further, high-content imaging of biomarkers in 3D cell models can be difficult.
In this two-part webinar present to you streamlined technologies which can bring consistent timesaving, ease-of-use, and high-quality data to your 3D cell-based workflows:
(A) The Pu·MA System is a microfluidics-based benchtop automated device for performing “hands-off” 3D cell-based assays. In this webinar, application scientist Dr. Katya Nikolov will present data from optimized assays using tumoroids followed by Yokogawa’s high-content imaging systems for biomarker detection.
(B) Yokogawa’s high-content imaging systems such as CellVoyager CQ1 provide superior confocal imaging using the Nipkow Spinning Disk Confocal Technology. Here, application scientist, Dan Collins will present details of the high-content imaging capabilities, easy to use and intuitive image acquisition software, especially for increasing productivity and a streamlined workflow.
Learn How:
- The open platform, Pu·MA System can be used to automate your 3D cell-based assays
- To perform automated IF staining for biomarkers using tumoroid models without perturbing your precious samples
- Image acquisition from 3D cell models using Yokogawa’s high-content imaging platforms
- Image analysis from cells, complex spheroids, colonies, or tissues using the CellPathfinder high content analysis software
Physiologically relevant 3D cell models are essential for drug discovery and preclinical research due to their functional and architectural similarity to solid tumors. One of the challenges faced by researchers is that many of the assays using these precious samples tend to be manual and tedious.
Using proprietary microfluidics technology, Protein Fluidics has created the Pu·MA System for automated complex 3D cell-based assays. In this webinar, application scientist Dr. Katya Nikolov will present her work on combining this novel automation technology with Yokogawa’s high-content imaging systems for biomarker detection in 3D cell models. Nikolov will demonstrate the utility of an automated immunofluorescence staining workflow followed by confocal imaging within the Pu·MA System flowchips. This automated workflow enables quantitative assessment of biomarkers which provides valuable data for further understanding disease mechanisms, preclinical drug efficacy studies, and in personalized medicine.
This webinar will explore:
- The Pu·MA System and novel technology for automated 3D cell-based assays
- How to perform automated immunofluorescence staining for biomarkers with a “hands-off” assay workflow
- How to visualize biomarkers after the assay with high-content imaging within the flowchip
Generating translatable high-content imaging data from physiologically-relevant cell models, including 2D and 3D structures, is extremely valuable for drug discovery and pre-clinical research. In this webinar, James Evans, CEO of PhenoVista Biosciences presents case studies on how Yokogawa’s Benchtop CQ1 Confocal System can improve throughput and standardize processes for complex 3D cell-based phenotypic assays.
Key learning objectives:
- Strategies for designing and implementing high-content screening assays
- Approaches for deciding between 2D and 3D model systems
This webinar highlights Yokogawa’s High Content Solutions, the benchtop confocal CellVoyager CQ1, and CellVoyager CV8000. Utilizing Yokogawa’s dual-wide microlens spinning disk confocal technology, these automated HCA systems provide remarkable image quality while increasing your output. This frees up time to complete other research activities. Also, recent additions to the CSU-W1 confocal upgrade is discussed. The SoRa, a super-resolution solution, and the Uniformizer, an image flattening device. Both of which can be added to the lightpath of your CSU-W1-enhanced microscope.
Agenda:
Introduction to Yokogawa
SoRa for CSU-W1 super-resolution with confocal
Two high content instruments from Yokogawa: The CQ1 and the CV8000
Presenter:
Dan J. Collins, Applications Scientist, Yokogawa Life Science
In the last few decades, the pharmaceutical industry has transformed people’s lives. However, the development of new drugs is becoming increasingly difficult and a paradigm shift in the drug discovery workflow is required to reduce attrition and transform conventional drug screening assays into translatable analytical techniques for the analysis of drugs in complex environments, both in-vitro and ex-vivo. The ability to visualize unlabelled compounds inside the cell at physiological dosages can offer valuable insight into the compound behavior both on and off-target.
SiLC-MS is a semi-automated methodology that allows the collection of intracellular contents using a modified CQ1 imaging system developed by Yokowaga. The instrument is equipped with a confocal microscope that allows bright field imaging as well as fluorescence imaging with 4 lasers (405, 488, 561, and 640 nm). Sampling is performed using the tips developed by Professor Masujima (1-4).
In this study, we show the applicability of the SiLC-MS technology to drug discovery, as it is crucial to identify compound and its metabolites when incubated in a mammalian cell at a therapeutic dose. We report on the validation studies performed using the SiLC-MS platform, in these validation studies we assess the ability to distinguish different cell types based on their metabolomic fingerprint, furthermore, we have also evaluated if this assay was sensitive enough to detect drugs intracellularly.
Presenter: Carla Newman, Scientific Leader (Celluar Imaging and Dynamics), GSK
Image-based phenotypic screening relies on the extraction of multivariate information from cells cultured in a large number of screened conditions. In this webinar, we explored the application of complex and biologically relevant model systems for drug screening, such as small intestinal organoids.
Key topics include:
- Learn how to upscale, streamline, and automate intestinal organoid handling
- Learn how to image in complex three-dimensional (3D) model systems and how to approach large imaging datasets
- Understand the basics of multivariate analysis on image-inferred features
News
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Press Release | Corporate Dec 3, 2020 Yokogawa and InSphero Enter into Partnership Agreement
- Supporting drug development research through the use of HCA and three-dimensional culture models -
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