Imaging Flow Cytometer 3D Cell Morphology Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging flow cytometers cannot generate three-dimensional images of cells at high speeds, limiting their ability to capture detailed morphological information quickly.
Innovation Solution
An imaging flow cytometer is designed with a flow channel, a light source that irradiates sheet-like excitation light, an imaging unit to capture cross-sectional images, and a three-dimensional image generation unit that combines these images to create a three-dimensional representation of the cells, utilizing advanced imaging elements like sCMOS for high-speed imaging and a light modulation unit with varying optical characteristics for enhanced image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry methods are used to evaluate cells based on total fluorescence emission, then measurement speed is high, but three-dimensional morphological information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The cell imaging process is segmented into multiple cross-sectional planes along the flow direction. Each plane is imaged separately by the imaging unit, and the segmented images are then reconstructed into a complete three-dimensional image, enabling both high measurement precision and maintained productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional fluorescence emission detection to three-dimensional imaging by adding the spatial dimension along the cell flow direction. Multiple cross-sectional images taken at different positions are combined to create a three-dimensional representation of the cell morphology
2Measurement precision
If multiplane optical microscopy is used to obtain three-dimensional images, then imaging quality is improved, but imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit continuously captures cross-sectional images of cells as they flow through the flow channel. The continuous flow allows simultaneous imaging of multiple planes without stopping or slowing down the cell stream, maintaining high imaging speed while ensuring complete three-dimensional coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical movement of the imaging system with fluid flow-based sample transport. Instead of moving the microscope to capture different planes, cells are flowed continuously through a stationary imaging field, enabling rapid sequential imaging of multiple planes
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 configuration enables the rapid generation of high-quality three-dimensional images of cells, allowing for faster observation and analysis while also enabling sorting based on morphological information.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which irradiates the flow channel with sheet-like excitation light, and an imaging unit which images a specific cross-section of the observation target by imaging fluorescence from the observation target
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging flow cytometer includes at least one flow channel through which an observation target flows, a light source which irradiates the flow channel with sheet-like excitation light, an imaging unit which images a specific cross-section of the observation target by imaging fluorescence from the observation target having passed through a position irradiated with the excitation light, and a three-dimensional image generation unit which generates a three-dimensional image of the observation target as a captured image on the basis of a plurality of captured images obtained by cross-sectional imaging by the imaging unit.