Modular Fluorescence Optical Module for Three-Channel Incubator Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel fluorescence imaging systems are large, costly, and less reliable due to the need for physically moving components, limiting the ability to perform complex assays and assays requiring multiple fluorescent indicators in a single sample or across multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical system with interchangeable components, including a phase lamp and multiple light sources and filters, allows for simultaneous imaging of three or more fluorescent channels without manual swapping, enabling complex assays like three-color FUCCI and reducing system size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different filter sets and excitation light sources are physically moved into position for each fluorescence image acquisition, then multi-channel fluorescence imaging can be achieved, but the system becomes larger, slower, more costly, and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination function into multiple independent LED light sources, each emitting at a specific excitation wavelength. This segmentation allows simultaneous illumination of multiple fluorophores without requiring mechanical movement of filter sets, as each LED can be independently controlled to excite specific fluorophores in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera sensor is designed to detect multiple emission wavelength ranges simultaneously through the use of multiple emission filters. This universal detection capability eliminates the need for separate cameras or mechanical filter wheel movements for each channel, reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-channel imaging capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter sets are physically moved for each fluorescence image acquisition, then different emission wavelengths can be captured, but the imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED light sources emit excitation light continuously and simultaneously at different wavelengths. Combined with multiple emission filters that allow simultaneous detection of different emission ranges, this enables continuous acquisition of multiple fluorescence channels without interruption or sequential mechanical movement, significantly improving imaging speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If filter sets are moved for each fluorescence image acquisition, then multi-color imaging is possible, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter wheel system with an electronic control system that independently activates specific LED light sources and applies corresponding emission filters. This eliminates mechanical moving parts that are prone to failure, alignment errors, and wear, thereby significantly improving system reliability while maintaining the ability to switch between different fluorescence channels
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and filter sets are used for complex assays, then assay flexibility increases, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple excitation light sources and multiple emission detection paths into a single integrated imaging platform. By combining parallel LED illumination with a single camera that can detect multiple emission ranges through filter selection, the system achieves complex multi-color imaging capability without requiring multiple separate expensive systems, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining assay flexibility
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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective multi-channel fluorescence imaging within an incubator, facilitating complex assays and reducing the need for manual module swapping, thus enhancing assay flexibility and reducing incubator space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluorophore that emits light in a first band of emission wavelengths in response to illumination by light in first band of excitation wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a second fluorophore that emits light in a second band of emission wavelengths in response to illumination by light in second band of excitation wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
a third fluorophore that emits light in a third band of emission wavelengths in response to illumination by light in third band of excitation wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus comprising a fluorescence microscope (115), an imaging sensor (120) an optical module (110) and a phase lamp (125) is provided to facilitate epifluorescent imaging of three (or more) color channels and to perform phase contrast and/or bright field imaging of samples without manual adjustment of the imaging apparatus. This allows for automated imaging, over extended periods of time, of a plurality of samples by the imaging apparatus located inside an incubator (180) without disturbing the incubator environment to manually adjust the apparatus. Also provided are embodiments to facilitate user swapping of removable optical modules (110) and/or transillumination modules (125) to allow the imaging apparatus to be adapted to different combinations of assays and/or fluorescent indicators so as to increase the variety of experiments and/or fluorescent dyes that can be imaged using the imaging apparatus.