Laser microdissection system and examination method for samples containing nucleic acid

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser microdissection system (100), comprising a microscope (10). The microscope comprises a reflected-light device (76), a microscope objective (41), and a laser unit (70). A beam path (b) of a laser beam of the laser unit (70) extends through the reflected-light device (76) and through the microscope objective (41) and intersects with an object plane (15) of the microscope objective (41) at an adjustable point of intersection. An electrophoresis unit (90) having an electrophoresis gel (91) is attached, or can be attached by means of coupling elements (35), below the object plane (15), wherein the electrophoresis gel (91) has at least one gel pocket (92) and the laser microdissection system (100) comprises positioning means (96) for positioning the electrophoresis gel (91) in parallel with the object plane (15) and in relation to a defined reference position, such that dissectates (99) of a sample (51) that can be arranged in the object plane (15), which dissectates are obtained by means of the laser beam of the laser unit (70), can be captured in the at least one gel pocket (92). The invention further relates to a corresponding electrophoresis unit (90) and an examination method.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a laser microdissection system according to the preambles of the independent claims, an electrophoresis unit for such a laser microdissection system and a corresponding examination method for samples containing nucleic acids. Background technique [0002] Methods for processing biological samples by so-called laser microdissection have been known since the mid-1970s (see for example Isenberg, G. et al.: Cell surgery by laser micro-dissection: a preparative method. Journal of Microscopy (Journal of Microscopy, using laser microscopy). Microdissection of Cellular Surgery: A Preliminary Approach), Vol. 107, 1976, pp. 19-24), and has been continuously improved since then. [0003] In laser microdissection, cells, tissue regions etc. can be isolated from a sample ("sample", "specimen") and obtained as so-called sections. A particular advantage of laser microdissection is the brief contact of the sample with the laser beam, from whi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

But this has, inter alia, the disadvantage that during the generation of the cutting line, the sample cannot be viewed straight-forward, as the sample moves within the field of view and the image appears blurred

[0012] However, single cell-gel electrophoresis is usually performed in small quantities and with poor reproducibility

The image processing and analysis methods used are cumbersome, time-consuming and potentially error-prone

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