Cell Analysis Using Optical Path Length Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the state of cell colonies, especially in stem cell cultures, are subjective and lack accuracy due to reliance on visual observation, making it difficult to assess the quality and distribution of cells within a colony, particularly when cells are densely packed and their edges are hard to distinguish.
Innovation Solution
A cell analysis method and device that utilize optical path length images to extract and compare the inner and outer optical path lengths of cell nuclei, allowing for a quantitative and automated assessment of cell colony quality by analyzing the difference between these lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation methods are used to determine cell colony state, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the determination result depends on observer's subjective view and lacks accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an optical measurement system. Specifically, it uses an optical path length image acquisition unit to capture quantitative optical data, and an analysis unit to automatically process this data and determine cell colony state. This substitution eliminates observer subjectivity while providing objective, quantifiable measurements of cell health and colony characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical path length image as an intermediary between the cell colony and the determination process. Instead of direct visual observation, the system captures optical path length images that encode information about cell state, then uses analysis algorithms to interpret this intermediary data. This intermediary provides a quantitative bridge between the biological sample and the evaluation process.
2Productivity
If visual observation is used to assess cell colony quality, then no special equipment is needed, but it becomes an obstacle to mass culture and automated processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-evaluation of cell colonies through image capture and automatic analysis. The optical path length image acquisition unit automatically captures images of cell colonies, and the analysis unit automatically processes these images to determine colony state and quality. This eliminates the need for manual observation and allows high-throughput processing of multiple colonies simultaneously, directly supporting mass culture operations.
3Measurement precision
If optical path length images are used to extract and compare inner and outer optical path lengths of cell nuclei, then automated and quantitative analysis is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell structure into distinct regions for analysis, specifically identifying the cell nucleus and surrounding cytoplasm in optical path length images. The analysis unit extracts optical path length values from different regions (inner nuclear region and outer cytoplasmic region) and compares them to determine cell state. This segmentation approach transforms complex image data into specific measurable parameters that objectively reflect cell health and quality.
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
This approach enables high-accuracy, automated evaluation of cell colony quality, reducing subjective interpretation and improving efficiency in stem cell culture management by objectively determining good-quality cells and colonies, thus aiding in early detection of deterioration and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
optical path length image acquisition unit that acquires an optical path length image of the cell colony
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cell analysis method in a cell analysis device D that uses an optical path length image of a cell colony formed of a large number of cells to analyze the cell colony, the method comprising: acquiring the optical path length image of the cell colony by an acquisition unit of the cell analysis device; extracting a circular shape corresponding to a cell nucleus of the cell in the acquired optical path length image by an extraction unit of the cell analysis device extracts; comparing an inner optical path length of the extracted circular shape and an outer optical path length of the extracted circular shape by a comparison unit of the cell analysis device extracts; and analyzing the cell colony based on the comparison result by analysis unit of the cell analysis device.