Image-Guided Cell Sorting for Real-Time High-Content Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell sorting technologies rely solely on fluorescent and/or scattering intensity without utilizing high-content cell images, limiting their ability to provide detailed subcellular information and accurate sorting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An image-guided cell sorting system that utilizes an optical beam scanner to capture high-content cell images, processes them in real-time, and sorts cells based on image features such as size, nucleus size, and protein localization, incorporating microfluidics, photonics, and real-time image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cell sorting technologies are used, then the system is simpler and faster, but the measurement precision and sorting accuracy are limited due to lack of detailed subcellular information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flow cytometry with high-content imaging by integrating an optical imaging system into the cell sorting platform. This combination enables simultaneous acquisition of fluorescent/scattering intensity data and high-resolution cell images, allowing sorting based on both conventional parameters and detailed subcellular features such as nucleus size, cell morphology, and protein localization patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional aspect to cell sorting by incorporating spatial and morphological information from high-content images. Instead of relying solely on intensity parameters, the system now utilizes image-based features such as cell shape, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, and subcellular organelle distribution, thereby expanding the sorting dimensionality to achieve higher precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-content cell images are used for sorting, then the sorting precision improves, but the processing time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image acquisition and feature extraction for multiple cells in parallel as they flow through the instrument. By pre-processing image data and preparing sorting decisions in advance, the system reduces real-time processing delays and maintains high throughput while preserving the precision benefits of image-based sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous image acquisition and real-time processing as cells flow through the system. The imaging system operates continuously without interruption, and the processing device analyzes each cell's image features immediately upon acquisition, ensuring that no time is lost between measurement and sorting decision, thereby maintaining high productivity.
3Speed
If real-time image processing is implemented, then the sorting speed increases, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific key features from cell images such as nuclear size, cell perimeter, area, and intensity distribution patterns. By focusing computational resources on extracting only the most relevant morphological and fluorescent parameters rather than processing every pixel in detail, the system achieves real-time sorting speed while managing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical sorting mechanisms with an automated control system that uses image-based decision logic. The processing device analyzes image features and automatically generates sorting commands, substituting mechanical complexity with computational algorithms that can be optimized for speed and efficiency.
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 faster and more accurate cell sorting with high throughput, allowing real-time classification and isolation of cells based on detailed cellular information, surpassing conventional systems in efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a cell image data including fluorescent information or cell image information of a cell
Implementation Method 2
obtain a cell image data including fluorescent information or cell image information of a cell
Data Source
AI summary
A cell sorting system is provided to comprise: an imaging device including abeam scanner scanning abeam along a first direction to obtain a cell image data including fluorescent information or cell image information of a cell, the beam applied to the cell flowing in a channel along a second direction with an angle to the first direction; a data processing and control device in communication with the imaging device, the data processing and control device including a processor configured to process the cell image data obtained by the imaging device to determine one or more properties associated with the cell from the processed cell image data and to produce a control command based on a comparison of the determined one or more properties with a sorting criteria, and a cell sorting device in communication with the imaging device and the data processing and control device.