HoloMonitor publication highlights 2024
2024 has been an exciting year for us at Phase Holographic Imaging, and we’re thrilled to share some big news: HoloMonitor, our label-free live cell analysis tool, has now been featured in over 300 publications worldwide.
From cancer research to regenerative medicine, HoloMonitor has been helping scientists uncover new insights, without the hassle of labels or damaging cells. That’s right; real-time, high-precision cell analysis, hassle-free.
In this blog, we present the researchers behind these studies and delve into the HoloMonitor publication highlights for 2024, which unlock the secrets of our cells…
Why are researchers choosing HoloMonitor?
The numbers speak for themselves. With 300+ publications from all over the world, proving that HoloMonitor is making an impact on a global scale and becoming a go-to tool for:
- Cancer Research – Tracking how tumor cells react to treatments in real time.
- Drug Discovery – Testing new compounds without altering cell behavior.
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine – Watching stem cells transform into specialized cells.
- Neuroscience & Immunology – Studying neuron interactions and immune responses.
Have you followed our #mondayreads on LinkedIn?
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2024)
Spinosyn A exerts anti-tumorigenic effects on progesterone-sensitive ERα-positive breast cancer cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways
Kaniski et. al., University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA

The paper describes the effects of Spinosyn A, a natural insecticide, on breast cancer cells. The authors used HoloMonitor M4 to monitor the effects of Spinosyn A (SPA) on breast cancer cells with cell morphology, proliferation and motility.
The results revealed that the cells are increasing in volume in a concentration-dependent manner when treated with SPA. Single-cell tracking of cell families showed that the cells exhibited longer division times, and their motility was reduced when exposed to SPA. Further morphological analysis reveals that SPA treatment increased shape roughness due to SPA exposure, which is associated with increased apoptosis. On the other hand, irregularity and eccentricity are both decreasing in a concentration-dependent manner. Since cancer cells are highly irregular, a decrease in irregularity suggests that T47-D cells become less cancerous when treated with SPA for 24 hours.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2024)
Quantitative label-free digital holographic imaging of cardiomyocyte optical volume, nucleation, and cell division
Herman Huang et al., San Jose State University, USA

The article investigates how increased cell size and nucleation influence the outcomes of cardiomyocyte cell division in vitro.
In this study, the authors use HoloMonitor M4 to evaluate the proliferative response of mononucleated and binucleated cardiomyocytes to a proliferative stimulus. By tracking long-term cultures at a single-cell level, they monitor cardiomyocyte dynamics in real-time. The findings demonstrate that proliferative stimulus promotes complete cell division in both mono- and binucleated cells, and reveal a link between cardiomyocyte size, nucleation, and cell cycle control. These insights give a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the loss of cardiac regenerative capacity.
Example outcomes observed in binucleated rat cardiomyocytes stimulated with 5 μM CHIR99021 for 48 h. Time-lapse videos of representative binucleated cardiomyocytes that complete (left), fail to complete (middle), or do not attempt cell division within 48 h (right).
Advanced Biology (2024)
Morphological and Optical Profiling of Melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 Melanoma Cells Via Digital Holographic Microscopy and Quantitative Phase Imaging
Ayah A Farhat et al., University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA

In this study, the researchers utilize digital holographic microscopy and quantitative phase imaging to uncover morphological, optical, and behavioral distinctions between melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells, without the need for labels or any other damaging interventions.
Advanced techniques, including PCA and t-SNE, reveal significant differences in size, shape, optical properties, and migration patterns. These insights support the identification of melanoma biomarkers, enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in melanoma research. HoloMonitor M4 was used to study the morphology and movement between melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells.

We at PHI are especially thrilled that this publication was featured on the cover of Advanced Biology, showcasing images of melanocytes and melanoma cells captured with the HoloMonitor M4. Well done, Farhat and colleagues!
What’s Next?
With this kind of momentum, we’re even more excited to see what 2025 brings. New applications? Breakthrough discoveries? We can’t wait to find out—and to continue supporting the brilliant researchers who are pushing science forward with HoloMonitor.
A huge thank you to all the scientists who’ve trusted our technology. Here’s to another year of innovation!
(P.S. If your lab is one of the 300+, give us a shout—we’d love to hear about your work!)
New HoloMonitor Publications 2024

Quantitative label-free digital holographic imaging of cardiomyocyte optical volume, nucleation, and cell division
Journal: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2024)
Research Areas: Cardiology
Cell Lines: primary rat cardiomyocytes, primary mouse cardiomyocytes

Dual role of exosomal circCMTM3 derived from GSCs in impeding degradation and promoting phosphorylation of STAT5A to facilitate vasculogenic mimicry formation in glioblastoma
Journal: Theranostics (2024)
Research Areas: Cancer Research
Cell Lines: GSC01, GSC03
Multiscale Materials Engineering via Self-Assembly of Pentapeptide Derivatives from SARS CoV E Protein
Journal: Small (2024)
Research Areas: Materials Science
Cell Lines: SW-620

Pim Kinase Inhibition Disrupts CXCR4 Signalling in Megakaryocytes and Platelets by Reducing Receptor Availability at the Surface
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024)
Research Areas: Hematology
Cell Lines: MEG-01, primary human platelets, primary mouse megakaryocytes

Expression of Stress-Induced Genes in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cells and Lung Fibroblasts from Healthy and COPD Subjects
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024)
Research Areas: Pulmonology
Cell Lines: Primary human lung fibroblasts and bronchoalveolar lavage cells

Mitochondrial transfer from Adipose stem cells to breast cancer cells drives multi-drug resistance
Journal: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2024)
Research Areas: Cancer Research
Cell Lines: BCAHC-1, MCF-7 and MDA-MB, 231, MCF-7, MDA-MB, 231 and hASC52telo hTERT cells

Optical sensor reveals the hidden influence of cell dissociation on adhesion measurements
Journal: Scientific Reports (2024)
Research Areas: Materials Science
Cell Lines: HeLa

Application of Digital Holographic Imaging to Monitor Real-Time Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Dynamics in Response to Norepinephrine Stimulation
Journal: Applied Sciences (2024)
Research Areas: Cardiology
Cell Lines: Rat cardiac cells