3D Biological Sample Evaluation Using Matched X-Ray and Light Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a practical way to evaluate pathological changes in biological samples in three dimensions at cellular-level spatial resolution, as light microscopes suffer from sample deformation and insufficient depth resolution, while X-ray microscopes provide low-contrast gray-scale images due to electron density-based shading, making tissue identification difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving X-ray and light microscopes is used to extract an evaluation target region in three dimensions by matching images captured by both microscopes, utilizing X-ray images with 4-12 keV energy and binarizing the region of interest with light microscope information for complementary evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light microscope is used for observation, then two-dimensional resolution and tissue identification capability are improved, but sample deformation occurs and depth resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wax block as an intermediary medium to embed the biological sample. This wax embedding preserves the sample's three-dimensional structure during observation, preventing the deformation that occurs with conventional light microscope preparation while still allowing high-resolution imaging of tissue structures.
2Measurement precision
If an X-ray microscope is used for observation, then three-dimensional resolution and non-destructiveness are improved, but image contrast and tissue identification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both light microscopy and X-ray microscopy by integrating their imaging capabilities. The system combines the high three-dimensional resolution and non-destructiveness of X-ray microscopy with the superior tissue identification capability of light microscopy, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both structural and compositional information.
3Ease of operation
If conventional two-dimensional evaluation methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but three-dimensional pathological changes cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional evaluation to three-dimensional evaluation by utilizing the Z-axis information provided by X-ray microscopy. This dimensionality change enables comprehensive assessment of pathological changes throughout the entire sample volume while maintaining operational simplicity through automated image processing and analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise evaluation of biological samples in three dimensions at cellular-level spatial resolution by combining X-ray and light microscope images, overcoming limitations of each individual technique.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the biological sample embedded in a wax block captured by an X-ray microscope using X-rays having an energy of 4-12 keV
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extracting an evaluation target region of a biological sample in three dimensions based on two images that are matched: an image of the biological sample embedded in a wax block captured by an X-ray microscope using X-rays having an energy of 4-12 keV and an image of a same measurement point of the same biological sample captured by a light microscope after the X-ray microscopy imaging, the method comprising the steps of: extracting a region of interest, including the evaluation target region, from the image of the X-ray microscope that has been matched with the image of the light microscope; and binarizing the region of interest to further extract the evaluation target region from the region of interest by using the image information of the light microscope and the X-ray microscope in a complementary manner.