Automated Microinjection via Stereoscopic Imaging and Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual microinjection of substances into microscopic objects is labor-intensive, requires extensive training, and results in low yield and high variability, limiting the scope of experiments and the broad adoption of microinjection technology.

Innovation Solution

An automated microinjection system that includes a pressure controller, a micropipette, and a computing system with stereoscopic imaging and machine-learning algorithms to precisely locate and inject substances into microscopic objects, such as embryos, with increased efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual microinjection is performed by scientists, then injection can be done with flexibility, but the process is labor-intensive and has low yield

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveyieldVSAvoidlabor-intensive

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated microinjection where the computer-controlled stage and imaging system perform the injection process autonomously. The stage automatically positions microscopic objects, the imaging system locates targets, and the micropipette delivers substances without continuous manual intervention, thereby increasing yield while reducing labor intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical manipulation by scientists is replaced with an automated system comprising a computer-controlled stage, imaging apparatus, and pressure-controlled micropipette. This substitution eliminates the labor-intensive nature of manual operation while maintaining injection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual microinjection is performed, then injection can be done with human judgment, but it requires extensive training and has high variability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconsistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates an imaging apparatus that continuously monitors the position of the micropipette tip and the microscopic objects. This visual feedback loop allows the computer control system to adjust positioning and injection parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent and reliable injection outcomes without requiring extensive operator training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the imaging apparatus serves both for visualization and for guiding the injection process, while the computer-controlled stage handles both positioning and focus adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces variability by standardizing operations across different users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated microinjection system is used, then throughput is increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the imaging apparatus and the stage control into an integrated automated system. The same imaging system used for visualization also guides the micropipette positioning and injection process, eliminating the need for separate alignment instruments and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The computer control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the imaging apparatus, stage positioning, and micropipette operation. This centralized control mediates the complex interactions between components, managing the increased device complexity while enabling high-throughput automated microinjection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250045956A1Multi-perspective microscopic imaging guided microinjection of microscopic objects across large field of views

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

AI summary

Techniques are described for automated microinjection of substances, such as genetic material, into microscopic objects, such as embryos. An example system includes a pressure controller, a stereoscopic imaging apparatus, a first camera, a second camera, and a computing system. The computing system is configured to apply one or more computer vision algorithms that determine, based on image data generated by the stereoscopic imaging apparatus, first camera, and second camera, a location of a tip of a micropipette and a location of a particular microscopic object in three-dimensional space. The computing system is further configured to control the pressure controller to cause the micropipette to eject the substance from the tip of the micropipette and into the particular microscopic object.