Miniaturized cell array methods and apparatus for cell-based screening

An automated method for cell based toxin detection and organ localization comprising

• providing an array of locations containing cells to be treated with a test substance, wherein the array comprises at least a first cell type and a second cell type, and wherein the first cell type and the second cell type are not contained on the same location in the array;
• wherein the first and second cell types are derived from different organ types;
• wherein each of the cell types comprises at least one luminescent reporter molecule;
• wherein the localization, distribution, structure, or activity of the at least one luminescent reporter molecule is altered by a toxin to be detected;
• contacting the at least first cell type and second cell type with the test substance either before or after possession of the at least one luminescent reporter molecules by the first cell type and the second cell type;
• imaging or scanning multiple cells in each of the locations containing the first cell type or the second cell type to obtain luminescent signals from the luminescent reporter molecule in the first cell type and the second cell type;
• converting the luminescent signals into digital data;
• utilizing the digital data to automatically measure the localization, distribution, structure or activity of the at least one luminescent reporter molecule on or in the first cell type and the second cell type, wherein a change in the localization, distribution, structure or activity of the luminescent reporter molecule indicates the presence of a toxin and an organ localization of the toxin.