High-throughput live-imaging of embryos in microwell arrays using a modular, inexpensive specimen mounting system

Live-imaging embryos in a high-throughput manner is essential for shedding light on a wide range of questions in developmental biology, but it is difficult and costly to mount and image embryos in consistent conditions. Here, we present OMMAwell, a simple, reusable device that makes it easy to mount up to hundreds of embryos in arrays of agarose microwells with customizable dimensions and spacing. OMMAwell can be configured to mount specimens for upright or inverted microscopes, and includes a reservoir to hold live-imaging medium to maintain constant moisture and osmolarity of specimens during time-lapse imaging. All device components can be cut from a sheet of acrylic using a laser cutter. Even a novice user will be able to cut the pieces and assemble the device in less than an hour. At the time of writing, the total materials cost is less than five US dollars. We include all device design files in a commonly used format, as well as complete instructions for its fabrication and use. We demonstrate a detailed workflow for designing a custom mold and employing it to simultaneously live-image dozens of embryos at a time for more than five days, using embryos of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus as an example. Further, we include descriptions, schematics, and design files for molds that can be used with 14 additional vertebrate and invertebrate species, including most major traditional laboratory models and a number of emerging model systems. Molds have been user-tested for embryos including zebrafish (Danio rerio), fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), annelid worm (Capitella teleta), amphipod crustacean (Parhyale hawaiensis), red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), and three-banded panther worm (Hofstenia miamia), as well mouse organoids (Mus musculus). Finally, we provide instructions for researchers to customize OMMAwell inserts for embryos or tissues not described herein. Summary Statement This Techniques and Resources article describes an inexpensive, customizable device for mounting and live-imaging a wide range of tissues and species; complete design files and instructions for assembly are included.