Spatial Transcriptomics Sample Submission Guidelines

Inquiry

How to Get Started

• Consultation: Contact our team for a personalized consultation to discuss your project goals, sample types, and any specific requirements.
• Sample Submission: Follow our detailed Sample Submission Guidelines to ensure the proper collection, preservation, and transportation of your precious samples.
• Project Execution: Once samples are received, our team will execute the project following established protocols, maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Data Delivery: Receive comprehensive data sets, accompanied by detailed analyses, enabling you to derive meaningful insights from your research.

The success of spatial transcriptomics projects heavily relies on the careful collection, preservation, and transportation of precious biological samples. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure the integrity of your samples throughout the entire process.

Given the diversity of sample types, it is recommended to consult our technical team before submitting.

SAMPLE SUBMISSION & PREPARATION GUIDELINES

Cell Samples

• Cultured Cells

Sample Preparation: Cultured cells must undergo microscopic examination to ensure their optimal state, free from contamination. The total cell count should exceed 10⁶. Culture flasks should be filled with the appropriate medium, and their openings sealed with film.

Shipping: Room temperature transport is recommended. During transit, carefully wrap the sample in ample bubble wrap to prevent damage.

• Freezing Cells

Sample Preparation: Prepare the freezing medium (e.g., 90% FBS + 10% DMSO). Equilibrate the cell freezing box at 4°C. Collect, count, and centrifuge cells, discarding the supernatant. Resuspend cells in the freezing medium (1 mL per 2×106 cells), ensuring thorough mixing. Distribute the cell suspension into -20°C pre-equilibrated tubes, then transfer to a -80°C freezer. If a gradient freezing box is unavailable, place cells at 4°C for 30 min, -20°C for 30 min, and finally to -80°C. Alternatively, commercial cell freezing solutions may be employed following their specific guidelines.

Shipping: Utilize dry ice for delivery. Ensure an adequate supply of dry ice, considering regional and weather variations, to prevent insufficient delivery that could compromise subsequent experiments.

• Plant Cells

For individual cell sequencing projects involving plants, our preference is to receive live plant samples directly. This is because the successful dissociation of protoplasts necessitates an optimal level of plant growth status. For tailored projects and specific requirements, we encourage you to consult with our technical team for expert guidance.

Sample for Spatial Transcriptomics 

For spatial transcriptome projects, it is recommended to directly perform OCT embedding on fresh or plant tissues, followed by freezing and storage at -80°C. Subsequently, send the samples to our laboratory on dry ice.

• Sample Preparation
1. Prepare crushed ice and dry ice.
2. Pre-cool OCT on crushed ice for 30 minutes.
3. Select an appropriate-sized embedding mold for tissue samples.
4. Use laboratory paper towels to absorb excess blood or liquid on the tissue surface to prevent ice crystal formation.
5. Take photos to confirm tissue orientation.
6. Wrap tissues directly with pre-cooled OCT, avoiding the formation of air bubbles.
7. Transfer wrapped tissues to pre-cooled molds on crushed ice, continuously adding OCT to ensure submersion.
8. Mark the orientation on the mold.
9. Place the tissue in dry ice until OCT freezes completely white.
10. Remove the frozen tissue block from dry ice, seal it, and keep it in -80°C for storage.
• Shipping

Utilize dry ice for delivery. Ensure an adequate supply of dry ice considering regional or weather variations to prevent insufficient delivery, which might impact subsequent experiments.

FFPE Samples

• FFPE Spatial Transcriptomics

We currently accept paraffin-embedded tissue samples of human and mouse. Various sample forms can be delivered, including paraffin-embedded blocks, labeled white slices, and H&E-stained slices (10-15 slices of 4-5 μm thickness). Before formal experiments, quality check the samples (H&E staining, DV200 should be more than 30%). Subsequent experiments can proceed once the samples meet the requirements.

• FFPE Individual Cell Samples

For individual cell transcriptome sequencing of FFPE samples, utilize the 10X Fixed RNA Kit. We accept paraffin-embedded blocks or paraffin rolls of human and mouse FFPE samples for this purpose.