Semarion Information

Semarion is transforming adherent cell assays for next-generation drug discovery. Our SemaCyte® platform turns adherent cells into barcoded, assay-ready, automation-friendly reagents, enabling researchers to multiplex cell models in the same well, miniaturise assays, and generate richer biological data from existing microplate workflows. SemaCytes are ultra-miniaturised, optically barcoded microcarriers that function like microscopic Petri dishes. They carry small groups of adherent cells while preserving 2D morphology, can be handled with standard liquid handlers, cryopreserved for on-demand use, pooled for multiplexed assays, and decoded by high-content imaging. By decoupling cell preparation from assaying and multiplexing cell models, SemaCytes help discovery teams reduce variability, remove scheduling bottlenecks, and increase data throughput by 10× without replacing existing automation or imaging infrastructure. Semarion is based in Cambridge, UK and combines microfabrication, materials science and cell biology to make adherent cell assays more scalable, reproducible and automation-ready. We work with pharmaceutical companies and technology partners across phenotypic screening, antibody discovery, compound profiling and advanced in vitro models.