Optofluidic Device for High-Throughput 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for 3D imaging in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy are time-consuming due to the need for mounting samples in gel, which limits experimental throughput and statistics, as they require manual positioning and scanning of samples.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optofluidic device that illuminates a fluidic sample with a light sheet perpendicular to the sample's flow direction, using a cylindrical lens embedded in a transparent glass block, allowing continuous sample delivery and optical sectioning without manual sample movement, enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of objects without touching the channel walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mounting and positioning of samples in gel is used, then optical sectioning and imaging quality are improved, but imaging time and experimental throughput are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mounting and positioning operations with an automated optofluidic system. Samples are mounted automatically in the microfluidic channel, and the light sheet is scanned automatically through the sample volume, eliminating manual intervention and significantly increasing throughput while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service imaging where the microfluidic device automatically handles sample positioning, the light sheet automatically scans through the sample volume, and images are automatically acquired and reconstructed, making the imaging process autonomous and high-throughput.
2Measurement precision
If step-wise scanning of samples through light sheet is used, then optical sectioning is improved, but imaging time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning of the light sheet through the sample volume rather than step-wise scanning. The light sheet continuously illuminates the sample as it flows through the microfluidic channel, enabling rapid acquisition of multiple optical sections without interruption and significantly reducing imaging time while maintaining sectioning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic scanning where the light sheet moves continuously through the sample volume in coordination with fluid flow, rather than static step-wise positioning. This dynamic approach enables faster image acquisition across the entire sample volume.
3Measurement precision
If single sample mounting is used, then imaging quality is improved, but experimental throughput is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device is designed to handle multiple samples simultaneously in parallel channels or sequential processing, making the system universal for high-throughput imaging of multiple specimens. The same optofluidic platform can process multiple samples without requiring separate mounting procedures, thereby increasing experimental throughput while maintaining imaging quality.
4Measurement precision
If manual sample positioning is used, then optical alignment is improved, but device complexity and operation time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment where the microfluidic channel geometry and light sheet scanning coordinates are pre-configured to automatically align with the sample position. The automated scanning system eliminates manual positioning and alignment operations, reducing operation time and complexity while maintaining precise optical alignment through programmed coordination of light sheet movement and detection.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for imaging, allows for continuous sample analysis, and enables the imaging of multiple specimens simultaneously, enhancing experimental throughput and statistical reliability by maintaining object orientation and reducing optical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
A light beam is focused by a cylindrical lens to a sheet of light that illuminates only the focal plane of the detection optics
Implementation Method 2
the excitation light is focused by a cylindrical lens to a sheet of light
Implementation Method 3
An optofluidic lens is used to focus a light beam into a light sheet
Implementation Method 4
a fluidic sample is flowed through the light sheet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An integrated optofluidic device to illuminate, along an irradiation direction, a fluidic sample containing an object to be analysed, the device comprising: a substrate comprising an entry surface and being made of a material transparent to a light beam incident through the entry surface along the irradiation direction; a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate and having a channel portion intercepting the irradiation direction and extending along a longitudinal axis transverse to the irradiation direction, the microfluidic channel comprising a first flow inlet port for loading a fluidic sample therein, and an elongated lens cavity for an optofluidic cylindrical lens, the cavity being formed in the substrate and being arranged along the beam irradiation direction between the entry surface and the microfluidic channel, wherein the lens cavity is in fluid communication with a lens inlet port for loading a lens fluid.