Lens-free Imaging System for Real-time Cell Viability Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining cell viability through supravital dye uptake are complex, time-consuming, and require destructive post-treatment procedures, along with large equipment volumes due to the need for optical microscopes with preset optical paths.
Innovation Solution
A real-time quantification method using a lens-free imaging system that incubates and stains cells within a small volume setup, allowing for non-destructive absorbance analysis by detecting light intensity changes through a pinhole filter and collimator, enabling real-time viability assessment without the need for destructive dye extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a conventional optical microscope with preset optical path is used for imaging, then imaging quality is maintained, but equipment volume becomes large and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens component from the imaging system, transitioning from a conventional optical microscope with preset optical path to a lens-free imaging system. This extraction eliminates the need for complex optical components and large equipment volume, allowing the imaging system to be miniaturized while maintaining the ability to capture cell images for viability analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lenses, optical paths) with a lens-free detection approach using a light source and image sensor in direct configuration. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical optical components, significantly reducing equipment volume and enabling real-time monitoring without the time loss associated with conventional microscope procedures
2Measurement precision
If destructive post-treatment procedure of extracting supravital dye is performed, then cell viability quantification is achieved, but quantification time increases and cell integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous, real-time monitoring of cell viability through lens-free imaging without interrupting the cell culture process. The system continuously captures images and calculates viability metrics without requiring destructive dye extraction, maintaining both cell integrity and measurement precision while eliminating time loss from procedural interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the cell culture system to perform its own viability assessment through integrated lens-free imaging. The system uses the cells' natural light absorption properties to calculate viability directly from images, eliminating the need for external destructive testing procedures and enabling self-monitoring of cell health status
3Measurement precision
If conventional NR absorption analysis method is used, then cell viability can be determined, but the procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-step NR absorption analysis procedure and replaces it with a simplified lens-free imaging approach. By removing the need for staining, incubation, rinsing, and destructive extraction steps, the system reduces procedural complexity to a single imaging and calculation process while maintaining viability determination accuracy through direct optical measurement
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 method reduces equipment volume, shortens quantification time, and allows for real-time monitoring of cell viability, facilitating efficient and non-destructive analysis of cell absorbance and overlap assessment.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by a lens-free image sensor included in the lens-free imaging system, light penetrating the cell culture medium
Implementation Method 2
calculating absorbance of the stained sample cell
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a real-time quantification method of cell viability through a supravital dye uptake using a lens-free imaging system. The method includes a step of incubating a sample cell in a cell culture medium, steps of detecting light penetrating the cell culture medium and identifying a boundary region of the sample cell at a preset time interval based on the detected light, a step of staining the incubated sample cell with the supravital dye, a step of detecting intensity of light penetrating the cell culture medium at a preset time interval, a step of calculating absorbance of the sample cell included in the cell culture medium at a preset time interval based on the boundary region and the detected intensity of light and a step of analyzing a viability of the sample cell based on the calculated absorbance.