Imaging System To Characterize Dynamic Changes In Cell And Particle Characteristics

A method for directly measuring contact angle of at least one cell in a biological sample, the method comprising:

• (a) magnifying and obtaining an image of the at least one cell using light microscopy, and
• (b) measuring contact angle of the at least one cell at an interface using the image obtained in step (a), thereby directly measuring the contact angle of the at least one cell.

A method for directly measuring adhesion of at least one cell in a biological sample, the method comprising:

• (a) magnifying and obtaining an image of the at least one cell using light microscopy, and
• (b) measuring adhesion of the at least one cell at an interface using the image obtained in step (a), thereby directly measuring the adhesion of the at least one cell.

A method for determining morphology or shape of at least one cell in a biological sample, the method comprising:

• (a) magnifying and obtaining an image of the at least one cell laterally using light microscopy, and
• (b) determining the morphology or shape of the at least one cell using the image obtained in step (a).

An assay for determining invasiveness of a cancer or tumor cell, the assay comprising:

• (a) magnifying and obtaining an image of the at least one cancer or tumor cell laterally using light microscopy,
• (b) measuring the height of the cell or cell pedestal as a percentage of the diameter of the cell, wherein an increased height as compared to a reference, non-invasive cell indicates that the cell is invasive, thereby determining the invasiveness of the cell.