Cell culture imaging system
By integrating Hoffman and Mueller matrix polarization imaging systems into the cell culture imaging system and overlapping the sample placement area in the same system, the problem of unstable observation results caused by long-distance sample movement is solved, and a variety of imaging effects are achieved quickly and conveniently.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422463033.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing cell imaging equipment requires moving samples over long distances to obtain Hoffman and Mueller matrix polarization imaging data, which causes changes in sample organization and affects the observation results.
The sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system are designed to overlap. The culture device is located in the sample placement area, so both imaging methods can be achieved without moving the culture device. The moving device and the heating device are combined to adjust the position of the culture dish. The integrated gas path system is used to control the gas environment, and imaging is performed using the illumination unit and the imaging unit.
It achieves fast and convenient multiple imaging in the same system, keeps cells stable, and highly overlaps image features, reducing the impact of sample movement on observation results.
Smart Images
Figure CN223386151U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the field of microscopic imaging, in particular to a cell culture imaging system. Background Art
[0002] In the field of microscopy, brightfield illumination is commonly used to directly observe samples. However, this observation method is not ideal when applied to cells / embryos. This is because cells / embryos are transparent and colorless sample tissues, so the images obtained using brightfield illumination often have very low contrast. Therefore, Hoffman imaging technology is often used in this field to enhance the contrast of cell / embryo images. In addition, because cells / embryos also contain tissues with polarization characteristics such as spindles, Mueller matrix polarization imaging technology is also chosen for imaging.
[0003] Existing imaging equipment for cells / embryos typically uses either Hoffman imaging technology or Mueller matrix polarization imaging technology. If you want to obtain imaging data from both, you need to move the sample over a long distance, which will cause changes in the sample tissue and affect the final observation results. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, a cell culture imaging system is provided.
[0005] A cell culture imaging system includes a cell culture system and a cell imaging system. The cell culture system includes a culture device and an air path system. The cell imaging system includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system. The sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system overlap, and the culture device is placed in the sample placement area.
[0006] Specifically, the culture device is set in the sample placement area, and the sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system coincide with each other. Therefore, two types of imaging can be performed on the cells in the culture device without moving the position of the culture device. There is no need to move the culture device, which means that the cells do not need to be moved over long distances, which is more conducive to maintaining the stability of various aspects of cell data.
[0007] Preferably, the culture device includes a culture chamber body, which includes a moving device and several culture dishes. The moving device is used to move the positions of the culture dishes. The culture device also includes a heating device for heating the culture dishes.
[0008] Specifically, during the imaging process, the imaging area that the imaging system can image is limited. Therefore, when multiple culture dishes are set in the culture chamber, the positions of the multiple culture dishes can be moved by using a moving device so that the cells to be imaged can be moved along with the culture dishes to the imaging area for imaging.
[0009] In addition, the heating device can be arranged on the wall of the culture chamber body, or directly on the chamber wall.
[0010] Preferably, the gas circuit system includes an air intake system, a mixing system and a filtration system that are connected in sequence, the filtration system is connected to the culture chamber body, and the gas circuit system also includes a power pump that provides power for the movement of the gas.
[0011] Specifically, cell culture requires real-time control of the gas environment in which it is located. The control of the gas environment includes not only the ratio and concentration of the gas but also various aspects such as the purity of the gas. In order to transport the gas to the culture chamber, power is required. Therefore, the aforementioned gas circuit system is suitable.
[0012] The air intake system is usually equipped with a proportional valve, a pressure reducing valve, etc., and several sensors for detecting gas concentration are also installed between the mixing system and the filtration system.
[0013] Preferably, the cell imaging system comprises an illumination unit and an imaging unit;
[0014] The illumination unit includes a light source, a light collecting mirror, and a polarizer in a direction close to the culture device. The illumination unit also includes a Hoffman light processing unit, a Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit, and a moving motor provided between the polarizer and the culture device. The moving motor is used to switch between the Hoffman light processing unit and the Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit.
[0015] The imaging part includes a Hoffman objective lens and a tube lens in the direction away from the culture device, and also includes a Hoffman imaging device and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging device; the Hoffman light processing part includes a slit and a condenser, and the slit is arranged between the condenser and the polarizer; the Hoffman imaging device includes a Hoffman camera.
[0016] Specifically, when performing Hoffman imaging, the working parts include a light source, a light collecting lens, a polarizer, a Hoffman light processing unit (slit and condenser), a Hoffman objective lens, a tube lens, and a Hoffman imaging device (Hoffman camera). At this time, the light beam emitted by the light source is a Hoffman light source beam. During specific imaging, the Hoffman light source beam passes through the light collecting lens and reaches the polarizer. The polarizer causes the Hoffman light source beam to change from natural light to linearly polarized light, and then the linearly polarized light reaches the slit and condenser in turn. The Hoffman objective lens is combined with the condenser and the slit to realize Hoffman modulation imaging. The tube lens is used to focus the imaging light of the Hoffman objective lens onto the CMOS chip of the Hoffman camera; after the Hoffman camera receives the imaging light, it collects signals to generate a Hoffman imaging image. Preferably, the Mueller matrix polarization light processing unit includes a first quarter wave plate and a rotating motor, and the rotating motor is used to adjust the angle between the first quarter wave plate and the optical axis in each direction;
[0017] The Mueller matrix polarization imaging device includes a second beam splitter prism, a second quarter-wave plate, and a first polarization camera arranged on the optical axis. The Mueller matrix polarization imaging system also includes a second polarization camera, which is arranged on the optical path of the light reflected by the second beam splitter prism.
[0018] Specifically, when performing Mueller matrix polarization imaging, the working components include a light source, a light collecting lens, a polarizer, a Mueller matrix polarization light processing unit (a first quarter wave plate and a rotating motor), a Hoffman objective lens, a tube lens, and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging device (a second beam splitter prism, a second quarter wave plate, a first polarization camera, and a second polarization camera). At this time, the light beam emitted by the light source is a Mueller matrix polarized light source beam. During specific imaging, the Mueller light source beam passes through the light collecting lens and reaches the polarizer. The polarizer changes the Mueller matrix polarized light source beam from natural light to linearly polarized light. The rotating motor is used to adjust the first quarter wave plate. The angle of the first wave plate is adjusted to change the polarization state of the linearly polarized light as needed. The linearly polarized light is then irradiated onto the imaging area of the sample device, and then magnified by the Hoffman objective lens and irradiated onto the tube lens. The tube lens focuses the light and then irradiates it onto the second beam splitter prism. Part of the light irradiated onto the second beam splitter prism is transmitted through the second beam splitter prism, and the other part is reflected by the second beam splitter prism. The part of the light transmitted through the second beam splitter prism passes through the second quarter wave plate and is focused onto the first polarization camera. The light reflected by the second beam splitter prism is focused onto the second polarization camera. The first polarization camera and the second polarization camera respectively form images.
[0019] Preferably, the Hoffman imaging device further includes a first dichroic prism arranged on the optical axis, and the Hoffman camera is arranged on the optical path of the light reflected by the first dichroic prism; the imaging unit further includes a reflector for reflecting the light.
[0020] Specifically, by utilizing the structure of the reflector and the first beam splitter prism, the optical path of the light can be changed, thereby reducing the spatial dimensions of the entire system and making the structure between the various components more compact; generally speaking, the reflector is arranged between the tube lens and the first beam splitter prism, and the angle between the optical path of the light between the tube lens and the reflector and the optical path of the light between the reflector and the first beam splitter prism is less than 180°.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is beneficial in that:
[0022] The structure that integrates the cell culture system and the cell imaging system into one system makes the cell imaging process faster and more convenient. During the imaging process, there is no need to move the cells over long distances, so that the cells are always in a relatively stable environment. In addition, the cell imaging system also includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system. That is, two types of cell imaging can be performed in the same system. Since the sample placement areas of the two imaging systems overlap and the culture device is placed in the sample placement area, there is no need to move the cells when performing two types of imaging on them, so that the image features of the imaging are highly overlapped and the image fusion degree of the two imaging is high. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cell culture imaging system disclosed in the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a cell culture imaging system includes a cell culture system and a cell imaging system. The cell culture system includes a culture device and an air path system. The cell imaging system includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system. The sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system overlap, and the culture device is placed in the sample placement area.
[0026] The culture device is set in the sample placement area, and the sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system coincide with each other. Therefore, two types of imaging can be performed on the cells in the culture device without moving the position of the culture device. Without moving the culture device, there is no need to move the cells over long distances, which is more conducive to maintaining the stability of various aspects of cell data.
[0027] The culture device includes a culture chamber body 11 , which includes a moving device 13 and a plurality of culture dishes 12 . The moving device 13 is used to move the positions of the culture dishes 12 . The culture device also includes a heating device 14 for heating the culture dishes 12 .
[0028] During the specific imaging process, the imaging area that the imaging system can image is limited. Therefore, when multiple culture dishes 12 are arranged in the culture chamber 11, the positions of the multiple culture dishes 12 can be moved by using the moving device 13 so that the cells to be imaged can be moved along with the culture dishes 12 to the imaging area for imaging.
[0029] In addition, the heating device 14 can be arranged on the wall of the culture chamber body 11, or can be directly the chamber wall.
[0030] The gas circuit system includes an air intake system 21, a mixing system 22 and a filtering system 23 which are connected in sequence. The filtering system 23 is connected to the culture chamber body 11. The gas circuit system also includes a power pump 24 which provides power for the movement of the gas.
[0031] The cultivation of cells requires real-time control of the gas environment in which they are located. The control of the gas environment includes not only the ratio and concentration of the gas but also various aspects such as the purity of the gas. In order to transport the gas into the culture chamber 11, power is required. Therefore, the aforementioned gas circuit system is suitable.
[0032] The air intake system 21 is usually provided with a proportional valve, a pressure reducing valve, etc., and a number of sensors for detecting gas concentration are also provided between the mixing system 22 and the filtering system 23.
[0033] The cell imaging system includes an illumination unit and an imaging unit;
[0034] The illumination unit includes a light source 31, a light collecting mirror 32, and a polarizer 33 toward the culture device. The illumination unit also includes a Hoffman light processing unit, a Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit, and a moving motor 36, which are located between the polarizer 33 and the culture device. The moving motor 36 is used to switch between the Hoffman light processing unit and the Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit.
[0035] The imaging part includes a Hoffman objective lens 34 and a tube lens 35 in a direction away from the culture device, and the imaging part also includes a Hoffman imaging device and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging device;
[0036] The Hoffman light processing unit includes a slit plate 41 and a condenser lens 42 . The slit plate 41 is disposed between the condenser lens 42 and the polarizer 33 . The Hoffman imaging device includes a Hoffman camera 43 .
[0037] When performing Hoffman imaging, the working parts include a light source 31, a collecting lens 32, a polarizer 33, a Hoffman light processing unit (a slit 41 and a condenser 42), a Hoffman objective lens 34, a tube lens 35, and a Hoffman imaging device (a Hoffman camera 43). At this time, the light beam emitted by the light source 31 is a Hoffman light source beam. During specific imaging, the Hoffman light source beam passes through the collecting lens 32 and reaches the polarizer 33. The polarizer 33 changes the Hoffman light source beam from natural light into linearly polarized light, and then the linearly polarized light reaches the slit 41 and the condenser 42 in turn. The Hoffman objective lens 34 cooperates with the condenser 42 and the slit 41 to realize Hoffman modulation imaging. The tube lens 35 is used to focus the imaging light of the Hoffman objective lens 34 onto the CMOS chip of the Hoffman camera 43. After receiving the imaging light, the Hoffman camera 43 collects signals to generate a Hoffman imaging image.
[0038] The Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit includes a first quarter wave plate 51 and a rotating motor 52. The rotating motor 52 is used to adjust the angle between each direction of the first quarter wave plate 51 and the optical axis;
[0039] The Mueller matrix polarization imaging device includes a second beam splitter prism 53 arranged on the optical axis, a second quarter-wave plate 54, and a first polarization camera 55. The Mueller matrix polarization imaging system also includes a second polarization camera 56, which is arranged on the optical path of the light reflected by the second beam splitter prism 53.
[0040] When performing Mueller matrix polarization imaging, the working components include a light source 31, a light collecting lens 32, a polarizer 33, a Mueller matrix polarization light processing unit (a first quarter wave plate 51 and a rotating motor 52), a Hoffman objective lens 34, a tube lens 35, and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging device (a second beam splitter prism 53, a second quarter wave plate 54, a first polarization camera 55, and a second polarization camera 56). At this time, the light beam emitted by the light source is a Mueller matrix polarized light source beam. During specific imaging, the Mueller matrix polarized light source beam passes through the light collecting lens 32 and reaches the polarizer 33. The polarizer 33 changes the Mueller matrix polarized light source beam from natural light into linearly polarized light. The rotating motor 52 is used to adjust the first quarter wave The angle of the plate 51 is adjusted to change the polarization state of the linearly polarized light as needed. The linearly polarized light is then irradiated onto the imaging area of the sample device, and then magnified by the Hoffman objective lens 34 and irradiated onto the tube lens 35. The tube lens 35 focuses the light and irradiates it onto the second beam splitter prism 53. Part of the light irradiated onto the second beam splitter prism 53 is transmitted through the second beam splitter prism 53, and the other part is reflected by the second beam splitter prism 53. The part of the light transmitted through the second beam splitter prism 53 passes through the second quarter-wave plate 54 and is focused onto the first polarization camera 55. The light reflected by the second beam splitter prism 53 is focused onto the second polarization camera 56. The first polarization camera 55 and the second polarization camera 56 respectively form images.
[0041] The Hoffman imaging device further includes a first beam splitter prism 44 arranged on the optical axis, and the Hoffman camera 43 is arranged on the optical path of the light reflected by the first beam splitter prism 44; the imaging unit further includes a reflective mirror 37 for reflecting the light.
[0042] By utilizing the structure of the reflector 37 and the first beam splitter prism 44, the optical path of the light can be changed, thereby reducing the spatial dimensions of the entire system and making the structure between the components more compact; generally speaking, the reflector 37 is arranged between the tube lens 35 and the first beam splitter prism 44, and the angle between the optical path of the light between the tube lens 35 and the reflector 37 and the optical path of the light between the reflector 37 and the first beam splitter prism 44 is less than 180°.
Claims
1. A cell culture imaging system, comprising a cell culture system and a cell imaging system, characterized in that: The cell culture system includes a culture device and an air path system. The cell imaging system includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system. The sample placement areas of the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system coincide with each other, and the culture device is placed in the sample placement area.
2. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 1, wherein The culture device includes a culture chamber body, which includes a moving device and several culture dishes. The moving device is used to move the positions of the culture dishes. The culture device also includes a heating device for heating the culture dishes.
3. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that The gas circuit system includes an air intake system, a mixing system and a filtering system that are connected in sequence. The filtering system is connected to the culture chamber body. The gas circuit system also includes a power pump that provides power for the movement of the gas.
4. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 1, wherein The cell imaging system includes an illumination unit and an imaging unit; The illumination unit includes a light source, a light collecting mirror, and a polarizer in a direction close to the culture device. The illumination unit also includes a Hoffman light processing unit, a Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit, and a moving motor provided between the polarizer and the culture device. The moving motor is used to switch between the Hoffman light processing unit and the Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit. The imaging part includes a Hoffman objective lens and a tube lens in a direction away from the culture device, and the imaging part also includes a Hoffman imaging device and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging device.
5. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that The Hoffman light processing unit includes a slit plate and a condenser, and the slit plate is arranged between the condenser and the polarizer.
6. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that The Mueller matrix polarized light processing unit includes a first quarter wave plate and a rotating motor, and the rotating motor is used to adjust the angle between each direction of the first quarter wave plate and the optical axis.
7. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that The Hoffman imaging device includes a Hoffman camera.
8. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that The Hoffman imaging device further includes a first beam splitter prism arranged on the optical axis, and the Hoffman camera is arranged on the optical path of light reflected by the first beam splitter prism.
9. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: The Mueller matrix polarization imaging device includes a second beam splitter prism, a second quarter-wave plate, and a first polarization camera arranged on the optical axis. The Mueller matrix polarization imaging system also includes a second polarization camera, which is arranged on the optical path of the light reflected by the second beam splitter prism.
10. The cell culture imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that The imaging unit further includes a reflector for reflecting light.